I know Cis awfully well--her character, I mean.

Is there anything I can do for you ?" John Derringham turned with a chillingly haughty glance intended to wither, but when he saw her sweet face full of frank sympathy and kindness, it touched him and his manner changed.
"We have each of us to fulfill our fates," he said.

"I suppose we each deserve what we receive, and I am so glad yours seems to be such a very happy one." Then he made some excuse to get up and leave her--he could bear no more.
And Cora, left alone, smiled sadly to herself while she reflected what a foolish thing pride was, and all the other shams which robbed life of the only thing really worth having.
"Well, I should not let any of that nonsense ever stand between Freynie and me, thank goodness!" she concluded.
But John Derringham limped off to the bows of the ship, quivering with pain.

So Halcyone had spoken of his engagement and said he was "clever and great." What could it all mean?
Did he no longer interest her then--even at that period?
This stung him deeply.

There was no light anywhere.