Since he must marry--and soon--before the present Parliament broke up and his Government went out, and there came some years of fighting from the Opposition benches, when especially brilliant entertaining might be of advantage to him--he knew he had better make up his mind speedily, and take this ripe and luscious peach, which appeared more than willing to drop into his mouth.
So, this late afternoon, aided by the scents and colors and propinquity, he did his very best to make gradual love to her, and for some unaccountable hideously annoying reason felt every moment more aloof.

It almost seemed at last as if he were guarding something of fine and free that was being assailed.

His dual self was fighting within his soul.
Mrs.Cricklander was experiencing all the exciting emotions which presumably the knights of old enjoyed when engaged in a tournament.

She was not even disturbed when the dressing-gong rang and she had not yet won.

It was only a postponement of one of the most entrancing games she had ever played in her successful life.