The car she adored, Rupert Stillwell she regarded simply as a means to the indulgence of her adoration.

He was a jolly companion, a cleverly humourous talker, and an unfailing purveyor of bon-bons.

Hence he was to Patricia an ever welcome guest at the Rectory, and the warmth of Patricia's welcome went a long way to establish his position of intimacy in the family.
It was not to be supposed, however, that that young lady's gracious and indeed eager acceptance of the manifold courtesies of the young gentleman in question burdened her in the very slightest with any sense of obligation to anything but the most cavalier treatment of him, should occasion demand.

She was unhesitatingly frank and ready with criticism and challenge of his opinions, indeed he appeared to possess a fatal facility for championing her special aversions and antagonising her enthusiasms.

Of the latter her most avowed example was Captain Jack, as she loved to call him.