And yet, she asked herself, why should this man's proposal arouse in her such antagonism and repugnance?
He was a scholar, famed for his attainments in the world of the highest culture.

As his wife, she would be admitted at once into the very inner circle of that life to which she aspired, and for which she was leaving her old home and friends.

He had couched his proposal in the very terms of the spiritually and intellectually elect; he had declared himself in that language which she had so proudly thought she understood, and in which she had so often talked with him; and yet she was humiliated and ashamed.

It was, to her, as though, in placing his offer of marriage upon the high, pure ground of a spiritual union, he had insulted her womanhood.

Kitty realized wonderingly that she had not felt like this when Phil had confessed his love for her.