There was no committal in that, nothing that could bind her.

She permitted the avowal of his hope, that he had been in her thoughts during his long absence, and the natural inference that her hand was still free because of his hold upon her heart.

This belief filled him with gratitude, and inspired him, as she intended it should, with generous thoughts and impulses toward her.
What if she did prefer to maintain a little longer the delicate half reserve that precedes a positive engagement?
It only insured that the cup of happiness should be sipped and enjoyed more leisurely.

She had seen too much of life, and enjoyed too many of its pleasures, to act with precipitation now.

She understood him, and yet loved him well enough to be jealous of one whom she believed that he regarded as a sister.