He laughed, trying to appear at ease.

Some sort of an understanding must be had with Diana sooner or later, and she might as well realize at this present interview that the old relations could not be restored.

His nature was not brutal and he disliked to hurt her; moreover, the boy had an uneasy feeling that he had been a far more ardent admirer of this peculiar girl than any fellow should be who had had no serious intentions; yet it would be folly to allow Diana to think she could win him back to his former allegiance.

No compromising word had ever left his lips; he had never spoken of love to her.

Yet the girl's attitude seemed to infer a certain possession of him which was far from agreeable.
Having gone so far, he should have said more; but here again his lack of moral courage proved his stumbling-block, and he weakly evaded a frank expression of his true feelings.