Nothing had suggested to him that Alma was unworthy of everyday respect.

Even when ill-mannered, she did not lose her sexual dignity.

And after all she had undergone, there would have been excuse enough for decline of character, to say nothing of a lapse from the articles of good breeding.

This letter of hers, what did it signify but the revolt of a spirit of independence, irritated by all manner of sufferings, great and small?
Ought he not to have replied in other terms?
Was it worthy of him--man of the world, with passions, combats, experience multiform, assimilated in his long, slow growth--to set his sarcasm against a girl's unhappiness?
He was vexed with himself.

He had not behaved as a gentleman.