Generally, when he had literary work to do, he was anxious to begin upon his labors, and spent little time at the breakfast-table.

On this occasion he sat on.

Even after the breakfast things were removed he seemed reluctant to adjourn to the study.

His wife asked him several times if he meant to begin "The Jubilee Odes" that day, and he always replied in the affirmative.

But he talked nervously of other things; and, to her surprise--though she thought comparatively little of it at the time--drew her on to a discussion on summer bonnets.