She said to him: "Now, Ferdy, I am perfectly willing to have you send me all the flowers in New York, and go with me to the theatre every other night, and offer me all the flattery you have left over from Louise; but I am not going to let it be thought that I am going to engage myself to you; for I am not, and you don't want me." "I suppose you reserve that for my fortunate rival, Mr.Lancaster ?" said the young man, insolently.
Alice's eyes flashed.

"At least not for you." So Ferdy gradually and insensibly drifted back to Mrs.Wentworth.For a little while he was almost tragic; then he settled down into a state of cold cynicism which was not without its effect.

He never believed that she cared for Norman Wentworth as much as she cared for him.

He believed that her mother had made the match, and deep in his heart he hated Norman with the hate of wounded pride.

Moreover, as soon as Mrs.
Wentworth was beyond him, he began to have a deeper feeling for her than he had ever admitted before.