No woman had ever received such honour from him, such homage public and private.

Arnold Jacks was pricked with uneasiness; Irene had at once a new value in his eyes, and he feared he had foolishly neglected his opportunities.

If she married Romaine, it would be mortifying.

She refused the great man's offer, and Arnold was at first astonished, then gratified.

For such refusal there could be only one ground: Miss Derwent's "heart" was already disposed of.