Though we may not be more than friends, I will say that it is the more tender.

In my heart of hearts I do not think that Silverbridge could do better." "Thanks for that, Frank." "I shall tell him nothing of you that can set him against you." "And you would be glad to see me his wife ?" she said.
"As you must be somebody's wife, and not mine." "I cannot be yours, Frank; can I ?" "And not mine," he repeated.

"I will endeavour to be glad.

Who can explain his feelings in such a matter?
Though I most truly love the girl I hope to marry, yet my heart goes back to former things and opens itself to past regrets." "I know it all," she whispered.
"But you and I must be too wise to permit ourselves to be tormented by such foolish melancholy." As he said this he took her hand, half with the purpose of bidding her good-bye, but partly with the idea of giving some expression to the tenderness of his feelings.

But as he did so, the door was opened, and the old Earl shambled into the room.
"What the deuce are you doing here ?" he said.
"I have been talking to Lady Mabel." "For about an hour." "Indeed I do not know for how long." "Papa, he is going to be married." When she said this Frank Tregear turned round and looked at her almost in anger.
"Going to be married, is he?
Who is the fortunate woman ?" "I don't think he will let me tell you." "Not yet, I think," said Frank, gloomily.