The dear child has, I believe, no will apart from her desire to please me.

Her instincts are so beautifully submissive.' To a man situated like Mutimer this tone is fatal.

In truth it seemed to make offer to him of what he supremely desired.

No such encouragement had come from Adela herself, but that meant nothing either way; Richard had already perceived that maidenly reserve was a far more complex matter in a girl of gentle breeding, than in those with whom he had formerly associated; for all he knew, increase of distance in manner might represent the very hope that he was seeking.

That hope he sought, in all save the hours when conscience lorded over silence, with a reality of desire such as he had never known.