It is not even grammatical nowadays.
To be more correct, let us note that the talk lay between Etta and M.de Chauxville, who had a famous supply of epigrams and bright nothings delivered in such a way that they really sounded like wisdom.

Etta was equal to him, sometimes capping his sharp wit, sometimes contenting herself with silvery laughter.

Maggie Delafield was rather distraite, as De Chauxville noted.

The girl's dislike for him was an iron that entered the quick of his vanity anew every time he saw her.

There was no petulance in the aversion, such as he had perceived with other maidens who were only resenting a passing negligence or seeking to pique his curiosity.