There was generosity in it, for he was ready to part with his money; there was kindness of heart, for he was anxious to do good to his fellow-creature; but there were with these both pride and revenge.

Alaric had out-topped him in everything, and it was sweet to Norman's pride that his hand should be the one to raise from his sudden fall the man who had soared so high above him.

Alaric had injured him, and what revenge is so perfect as to repay gross injuries by great benefits?
Is it not thus that we heap coals of fire on our enemies' heads?
Not that Norman indulged in thoughts such as these; not that he resolved thus to gratify his pride, thus to indulge his revenge.
He was unconscious of his own sin, but he was not the less a sinner.
'No,' said he, 'I will not see him myself; it will do no good.' Mrs.Woodward found that it was useless to try to bend him.

That, indeed, she knew from a long experience.

It was then settled that she should go up to Gertrude that morning, travelling up to town together with Norman, and that when she had learned from her daughter, or from Alaric--if Alaric would talk to her about his concerns--what was really the truth of the matter, she should come to Norman's office, and tell him what it would be necessary for him to do.
And then the marriage was again put off.