She had seen some way into the man's mind, and had been partly aware of his purpose,--of his infirmity of purpose, of his double purpose.

She had perceived that a word from her might help Grace's chance, and had led the man on till he had committed himself, at any rate to her.

In doing this she had been actuated by friendship rather than by abstract principle.

But now, when the moment had come in which she must decide upon some action, she paused.

Was it right, for the sake of either of them, that an offer of marriage should be made at such a moment as this?
It might be very well, in regard to some future time, that the major should have so committed himself.