And you'll be keen too." It was flattering to be classified with leisured and opulent young Guardsmen; but what, Paul reflected with a qualm, would the kind lady say if she learned the real state of his present fortunes?
He thought of the guinea that lay between him and starvation, and was amused by the irony of her proposition.

Miss Winwood evidently took it for granted that he was in easy circumstances, living on the patrimony administered during his boyhood by a careless guardian.

He shrank from undeceiving her.

His dream was beginning to come true.

He was accepted by one of the high caste as belonging to the world where princes and princesses dwelt serene.