Stephen gave vague answers.

The next day it rained.

In the evening, when twenty-four hours of Elfride had completely rekindled her admirer's ardour, a game of chess was proposed between them.
The game had its value in helping on the developments of their future.
Elfride soon perceived that her opponent was but a learner.

She next noticed that he had a very odd way of handling the pieces when castling or taking a man.

Antecedently she would have supposed that the same performance must be gone through by all players in the same manner; she was taught by his differing action that all ordinary players, who learn the game by sight, unconsciously touch the men in a stereotyped way.
This impression of indescribable oddness in Stephen's touch culminated in speech when she saw him, at the taking of one of her bishops, push it aside with the taking man instead of lifting it as a preliminary to the move.
'How strangely you handle the men, Mr.Smith!' 'Do I?
I am sorry for that.' 'Oh no--don't be sorry; it is not a matter great enough for sorrow.