He had comported himself as behoved him, and the result was sure and certain hope.

He felt almost grateful, almost tender, towards the woman of his choice.
But Irene as she lay in her berth, strangely wakeful to the wash of the sea as the breeze freshened, was frightened at the thought of what she had done.

Had she not, in the common way of maidenhood, as good as accepted Arnold Jacks' proposal?
She did not mean it so; she spoke simply and directly in saying that she was not clear about her own mind; on any other subject she would in fact, or in phrase, have reserved her independence.

But an offer of marriage was a thing apart, full of subtle implications, needing to be dealt with according to special rules of conscience and of tact.

Some five or six she had received, and in each case had replied decisively, her mind admitting no doubt.