But this did not entitle him to seek her hand, though his large, empty house so greatly needed a mistress.

His heart had glowed with love for too many.

He wished first to test whether this new fancy would prove more lasting.

If he succeeded in remaining faithful even a few days, he would, as it were, reward himself for it, and appear before Didymus as a suitor.
He excused his frequent visits to himself on the pretext of the necessity of becoming acquainted with his future wife, and Helena made the task easier for him.

The usual reserve of her manner lessened more and more; nay, the great confidence with which he at first inspired her was increased by his active assistance.