If so, it had affected himself at least as much as the proud and difficult girl whose guidance had been so hurriedly thrust upon him.

His new role had brought out in him unexpected resources, or revived old habits.

For instance he had not ridden for years; though, as a young man, and before his accident, he had been a fine horseman.

But he now rode whenever he was at Beechmark, to show Helena the country; and they both looked so well on horseback that it was a pleasure of which Lucy Friend never tired to watch them go and to welcome them home.
Then the fact that he was a trained artist, which most of his friends had forgotten, became significant again for Helena's benefit.

She had some aptitude, and more ambition--would indeed, but for the war, have been a South Kensington student, and had long cherished yearnings for the Slade.
He set her work to do during the week, and corrected it with professional sharpness when he reappeared.
And more important perhaps than either the riding or the drawing, was the partial relaxation for her benefit of the reserve and taciturnity which had for years veiled the real man from those who liked and respected him most.