It is true that Isora had testified something of favourable feelings towards me; but this might spring from coquetry or compassion.

My love had been a boy's love, founded upon beauty and coloured by romance.

I had not investigated the character of the object; and I had judged of the mind solely by the face.

I might easily have been deceived: I persuaded myself that I was.
Perhaps Gerald had provided their present retreat for sire and daughter; perhaps they at this moment laughed over my rivalry and my folly.
Methought Gerald's lip wore a contemptuous curve when we met.

"It shall have no cause," I said, stung to the soul; "I will indeed forget this woman, and yet, though in other ways, eclipse this rival.