He had not taught himself to think that she was other than he would have her be, that he might thus give himself an excuse for parting from her.

Not as yet, at any rate, had he had recourse to that practice, so common with men who wish to free themselves from the bonds with which they have permitted themselves to be bound.

Lily had been too sweet to his eyes, to his touch, to all his senses for that.

He had enjoyed too keenly the pleasure of being with her, and of hearing her tell him that she loved him, to allow of his being personally tired of her.

He had not been so spoilt by his club life but that he had taken exquisite pleasure in all her nice country ways, and soft, kind-hearted, womanly humour.