"But I should not like you to sacrifice yourself to what may be a foolish prejudice on my part." "It is not a foolish prejudice.

Durnovo is not a gentleman either by birth or inclination.

He is not fit to associate with you." To this Jocelyn answered nothing.

Victor Durnovo was one of her brother's closest friends--a friend of his own choosing.
"Miss Gordon," said Jack Meredith suddenly, with a gravity that was rare, "will you do me a favour ?" "I think I should like to." "You admit that you are afraid of Durnovo now: if at any time you have reason to be more afraid, will you make use of me?
Will you write or come to me and ask my help ?" "Thank you," she said hesitatingly.
"You see," he went on, in a lighter tone, "I am not afraid of Durnovo.

I have met Durnovos before.