A man like Humphreys never really understands a pure woman.
Certain detached facts he may know, but he can not "put himself in her place." Humphreys remarked with tenderness that Julia must not stay in the night air.

She was too precious to be exposed.

This flattery was comforting to her wounded pride, and she found his words pleasant to her.

Had he stopped here he might have left the field victorious.

But it was very hard for an affianced lover to stop here.