Sylvia hated poverty, and it had been suggested that he should turn the fact to his advantage.

The idea that she might be more willing to marry him if she were poor was most unpleasant.
"Sylvia's favor is not to be bought," he said.
Mrs.Lansing's smile was half impatient.
"Oh, well, if you're bent on going, there's nothing to be said.
Sylvia, of course, will stay with us." The arrangement was a natural one, as Sylvia was a relative of hers; but George failed to notice that her expression grew thoughtful as she glanced toward where Sylvia was sitting with a man upon whom the soldier stamp was plainly set.

George followed her gaze and frowned, but he said nothing, and his companion presently moved away.

Soon afterward he crossed the lawn and joined a girl who waited for him.
Ethel West was tall and strongly made.

She was characterized by a keen intelligence and bluntness of speech.