As the colloquy went on, a certain change appeared in the man's look and voice; he visibly softened, he moved his chair a little nearer, and all at once, before Mrs.Woolstan had had time to reflect upon these symptoms, Wrybolt was holding her hand and making her an offer of marriage.
Never was woman more genuinely surprised.

That this prosperous financier, who had already made one advantageous marriage and might probably, if he wished, wed a second fortune--that such a man as Mr.
Wrybolt would think of _her_ for his wife, was a thing which had never entered her imagination.

She was fluttered, and flattered, and pleased, but not for a moment did she think of accepting him.

Her eyes fell, in demurest sadness.

Never, never could she marry again; the past was always with her, and the future imposed upon her the most solemn of duties.