It makes me ashamed, but so proud of you, for I see that you are judging me by yourself." And then this Tommy would put the gas out softly and go to his own room, and, let us hope, blush a little.
One stripling had proposed to Elspeth, and on her agitatedly declining him, had flung out of the room in a pet.

It spoiled all her after-thoughts on the subject, and so roused her brother's indignation with the fellow.

If the great baby had only left all the arrangements to Tommy, he could so easily have made that final scene one which Elspeth would remember with gratification for the remainder of her days; for, of course, pride in the offer could not be great unless she retained her respect for the man who made it.

From the tremulous proposal and the manly acceptance of his fate to his dignified exit ("Don't grieve for me, Miss Sandys; you never gave me the least encouragement, and to have loved you will always make me a better man"), even to a touching way of closing the door with one long, last, lingering look, Tommy could have fitted him like a tailor.
From all which it will be seen that our splendid brother thought exclusively of what was best for Elspeth, and was willing that the gentlemen, having served their purpose, should, if it pleased them, go hang.

Also, though he thought out every other possible move for the suitor, it never struck him to compose a successful proposal, for the simple reason that he was quite certain Elspeth would have none of them.