A new and strange sensation took possession of Morris.

He felt unwell; he felt angry; if the aerophone refused to work at all to-morrow, he would care nothing.

He could not see quite clearly, and was not altogether sure where he was walking.
"I beg your pardon," he said in a cold voice, as he recovered himself; "it was most impertinent of me." He was going to add, "pray accept my congratulations," but fortunately, or unfortunately, stopped himself in time.
Stella divined something of what was passing in his mind; not all, indeed, for to her the full measure of his folly would have been incomprehensible.

For a moment she contemplated an explanation, then abandoned the idea because she could find no words; because, also, this was another person's secret, and she had no right to involve an honest man, who had paid her a great compliment, in her confidences.

So she said nothing.