It seemed that he had really fallen in love with her; he might prove a devoted husband.

She felt no love in return; but between the prospect of a marriage of esteem and that of no marriage at all there was little room for hesitation.

The chances were that she might never again receive an offer from a man whose social standing she could respect.
In the meantime there had come a civil little note from the girl whose rooms she was to share.

'Miss Barfoot has spoken of you so favourably that I did not think it necessary to see you before consenting to what she suggested.

Perhaps she has told you that I have my own furniture; it is very plain, but, I think, comfortable.