As a matter of fact, they could never be.

She had been dominated by distress and the enthusiastic forces of relief which Drouet represented at an opportune moment when she yielded to him.

Now she was persuaded by secret current feelings which Drouet had never understood.

Hurstwood's glance was as effective as the spoken words of a lover, and more.

They called for no immediate decision, and could not be answered.
People in general attach too much importance to words.