She had meant to imply that the difference in their ages was too great, but had not known how to say it.

It was easy to tell her that in a twelve-month she would be older;--but it was impossible to convince her that any number of twelvemonths would alter the disparity between her and her cousin.

But even that disparity was not now her strongest reason for feeling sure that she could not marry Roger Carbury.
Within a week of the departure of Lady Carbury from the Manor House, Paul Montague returned, and returned as a still dear friend.

He had promised before he went that he would not see Henrietta again for three months, but he would promise nothing further.

'If she won't take you, there is no reason why I shouldn't try.' That had been his argument.