For example, the first thing I heard, when I came here, was that Romayne had left England.

My introduction to him was indefinitely delayed; I had to look to Lord Loring for all the information I wanted relating to the man and his habits.

There was another obstacle! Not living in the house, I was obliged to find an excuse for being constantly on the spot, ready to take advantage of his lordship's leisure moments for conversation.

I sat down in this room, and I said to myself, 'Before I get up again, I mean to brush these impertinent obstacles out of my way!' The state of the books suggested the idea of which I was in search.

Before I left the house, I was charged with the rearrangement of the library.