But the effect remained as a kind of bruise below the surface.

He was conscious that it had once been possible for him to doubt the value of everything; he was aware that there was a certain mood in which nothing seemed worth while.
It was practically his first experience of the kind, and he did not understand it.

But it did its work; and I date from that day a certain increased sort of obstinacy that showed itself even more plainly in his character.

One thing or the other must be the effect of such a mood in which--even though only for an hour or two--all things other than physical take on themselves an appearance of illusiveness: either the standard is lowered and these things are treated as slightly doubtful; or the will sets its teeth and determines to live by them, whether they are doubtful or not.

And the latter I take to be the most utter form of faith.
* * * * * About midday the twine round Frank's bundle broke abruptly, and every several article fell on to the road.