The link formed by Charlotte between De Stancy and Paula, much as he liked the ingenuous girl, was one that he could have wished away.

It constituted a bridge of access to Paula's inner life and feelings which nothing could rival; except that one fact which, as he firmly believed, did actually rival it, giving him faith and hope; his own primary occupation of Paula's heart.

Moreover, Mrs.Goodman would be an influence favourable to himself and his cause during the journey; though, to be sure, to set against her there was the phlegmatic and obstinate Abner Power, in whom, apprised by those subtle media of intelligence which lovers possess, he fancied he saw no friend.
Somerset remained but a short time at the castle that day.

The light of its chambers had fled, the gross grandeur of the dictatorial towers oppressed him, and the studio was hateful.

He remembered a promise made long ago to Mr.Woodwell of calling upon him some afternoon; and a visit which had not much attractiveness in it at other times recommended itself now, through being the one possible way open to him of hearing Paula named and her doings talked of.