I must say that I think that public opinion and the bishops together are too hard upon curates in this particular.
In the latter part of the night's delight, when time and practice had made them all happy together, John Eames stood up for the first time to dance with Lily.

She had done all she could, short of asking him, to induce him to do her this favour; for she felt that it would be a favour.

How great had been the desire on his part to ask her, and, at the same time, how great the repugnance, Lily, perhaps, did not quite understand.

And yet she understood much of it.

She knew that he was not angry with her.