He expected signs of apprehension or embarrassment, but she seemed calm.

She had accustomed herself to think of him, and could no longer be taken by surprise.

She was self-possessed, too, in the strength of the thoughts which he had disturbed.
He fed his eyes upon her, and kept so long silent that Emily's cheek coloured, and she half turned away.

Then he spoke abruptly, yet with humility, which the consciousness of his purpose could not overcome.
'You know that I have been away since I saw you last.

I tried to put you out of my mind.