Algernon likewise bestowed marked attention on her.

Some curious hints had been thrown out to her by this young gentleman on the day when he ventured to speak to her in the lane, which led her to fancy distantly that he had some acquaintance with Dahlia's husband, or that he had heard of Dahlia.
It was clear to Rhoda that Algernon sought another interview.

He appeared in the neighbourhood of the farm on Saturdays, and on Sundays he was present in the church, sometimes with Mrs.Lovell, and sometimes without a companion.

His appearance sent her quick wits travelling through many scales of possible conduct: and they struck one ringing note:--she thought that by the aid of this gentleman a lesson might be given to Robert's mean nature.

It was part of Robert's punishment to see that she was not unconscious of Algernon's admiration.
The first letter from Venice consisted of a series of interjections in praise of the poetry of gondolas, varied by allusions to the sad smell of the low tide water, and the amazing quality of the heat; and then Dahlia wrote more composedly:-- "Titian the painter lived here, and painted ladies, who sat to him without a bit of garment on, and indeed, my darling, I often think it was more comfortable for the model than for the artist.