is laid out for him, which indicates that he and his wife may have a servant who takes care of this sort of thing for them. However, he is obviously vain; we can see this because one of the first things he does in the morning is look at himself in a mirror. He is also ill-at-ease with his neighbor even though they share the same garden. Overall, he comes across as well-off and well-known but at the same time vain, anxious, and timid.

Mr. Nilson decides to take a turn in the garden because of a "queer feeling" that he can't understand. This feeling starts first thing in the morning when he opens the window and breathes the fresh outside air. As Galsworthy points out:

He experienced a peculiar sweetish sensation in the back of his throat, and a feeling of emptiness just under his fifth rib.

When he goes downstairs he still has this strange feeling, and so he decides to go outside. Instead of going away, though, the feeling increases. He tries deep breathing, as recommended by his wife's doctor, and then he wonders if he might have eaten something the night before that might have brought this feeling on.

In fact, the sweet smell and unusual feeling that Mr. Nilson encounters first from the open window and then from walking in the garden may be no more than his body reacting favorably to the lush fresh aromas of spring emanating from the flowers in the garden. However, due to his timid, nervous, and anxious character, Mr. Nilson's first automatic reaction is not one of simple enjoyment. Instead, he misinterprets the sensations and wonders if something is wrong with his health. He has a similar inability to enjoy a simple encounter with his neighbor on such a lovely morning. Rather than being content with exchanging warm pleasantries, Mr. Nilson becomes apprehensive and concerned with possibly appearing foolish.