Rather an ass ...
rather ridiculous; apparently in every way but one.
* * * * * So absurdly hard hit was Aylmer that it seemed to him as if to see her again as soon as possible was already the sole object in his life.

Did she like him?
Intuitively he felt that during his little visit his intense feeling had radiated, and not displeased--perhaps a little impressed--her.

He could easily, he knew, form a friendship with them; arrange to see her often.

He was going to meet her tonight, through his own arrangement.

He would get them to come and dine with him soon--no, the next day.
What was the good?
Well, where was the harm?
Aylmer had about the same code of morals as the best of his numerous friends in Bohemia, in clubland and in social London.