But it had once or twice crossed his mind that Pamela might be interested in Arthur; and there had been certain hints from Beryl, who was, however, he was certain, scarcely better informed than he was.

Pamela was a most secretive and independent young woman.

He doubted whether even Desmond, whom she adored, knew much about her.
Well, supposing she was jealous--jealous of her father's secretary, and on account of Arthur, was there the smallest cause for it?
He understood that Arthur and Miss Bremerton had met occasionally, and he had himself heard Chicksands express the warmest admiration for her as the right sort of new woman, 'as straight as you make 'em'-- and with 'a brain like a man'-- which, from one who was always rather a critical spectator than a courtier of women, was high praise.

But as for any spark of sex in it--Mannering laughed at the notion.No.If that really was Pamela's delusion, something must be done to rid his little sister of it if possible.

He would talk to Beryl.
But--as always when any new responsibility presented itself to him--a deep inner weariness rebelled.