Page 11 - LN2-EXPLANATION

Barn: outhouse, shelter
Stable: A place where horse is tied up

Para-18 Explanation
The reaction of the lady was so horrible that Bill murmured to the clerk to leave
the place. He agreed that the behaviour of the woman was very rude. Yet they
managed to search the whole house including the outhouse and the stable (a
place where horse is tied). As it was a single storeyed building, they managed to
search the whole of it and could not find Lutkins. As the clerk was getting late
for his train, therefore, Bill took him to the station.
Para-19
On the way to the city I worried very little over my failure to find Lutkins. I was
too busy thinking about Bill Magnuson. Really, I considered returning to New
Mullion to practise law. If I had found Bill so deep and richly human, might I
not grow to love Fritz and Gustaff and a hundred other slow-spoken, simple,
wise neighbours? I pictured an honest and happy life beyond the strict limits of
universities and law firms. I was excited. I had found a treasure. I had
discovered a new way of life.

Para-19 Eplanation
While the narrator was heading back towards the city he did not regret his
failure in delivering summons to Lutkins, rather he was happy. He was still
thinking about Bill Magnuson and felt like going back to New Mullion and start
his practice there. He felt a certain kind of attachment with all the villagers such
as Fritz and Gustaff whom he considered humble speakers and wise neighbours.
He imagined a life which was honest, simple and joyous which was not
experienced by him in the boundaries of his university or law firm. He was so
happy that he felt as if he had got some kind of treasure and had found a new
way of life.

Para-20
But if I did not think much about Lutkins, the office did. I found them all upset.
Next morning the case was coming up in the court, and they had to have
Lutkins. I was a shameful, useless fool. That morning my promising legal career
almost came to an end before it had begun.

Shameful: disgraceful
Promising: hopeful

Para-20 Explanation
Though the narrator was not so worried about finding Lutkins but his firm was.
The people there got very upset on hearing that he was not able to serve the