Consternation possessed her.

She weighed every quiet firm word that fell from Dick, she appreciated the feeling which gave them wings, she searched his face, his eyes.

Dick had none of his father's flightiness.

He was level-headed, shrewd and with the conventions of his times and his profession.

If Dick spoke like this, with so much certitude and so much sympathy, why then--She shrank from the conclusion with a sinking heart.