Though she kept a brave heart and never faltered, she had tired inevitably of the perpetual effort it entailed.

Three weeks after her arrival, when the annual exodus of the ladies of the regiment to the Hills was drawing near, she became engaged to Ralph Dacre, the handsomest and most irresponsible man in the mess.
With him at least her power to attract was paramount.

He was blindly, almost fulsomely, in love.

Her beauty went to his head from the outset; it fired his blood.

He worshipped her hotly, and pursued her untiringly, caring little whether she returned his devotion so long as he ultimately took possession.