He set before himself very definitely just what he wanted to do, and he went to work about it with a patience worthy of a better aim.

He flattered her in many ways which, experience had told him, were effective with the feminine heart.
Ferdy Wickersham estimated Mrs.Wentworth's vanity at its true value; but he underestimated her uprightness and her pride.

She was vain enough to hazard wrecking her happiness; but her pride was as great as her vanity.
Thus, though Ferdy Wickersham flattered her vanity by his delicate attentions, his patient waiting, he found himself, after long service, in danger of being balked by her pride.

His apparent faithfulness had enlisted her interest; but she held him at a distance with a resolution which he would not have given her credit for.
Most men, under such circumstances, would have retired and confessed defeat; but not so with Ferdy Wickersham.

To admit defeat was gall and wormwood to him.