For he had kept himself free of engagements that evening on Margaret's account, and now regretted it bitterly.

But Mr.
Barker was a great match, as has been said before, and he seldom had any difficulty in amusing himself when he felt so inclined.

He had not witnessed Margaret's departure, for, not wishing to be seen coming out of the boudoir alone, a sure sign of defeat, and being perfectly familiar with the house, he had found his way by another door, and through circuitous passages to the pantry, and thence to the supper-room; so that by the time he had refreshed himself Margaret and Mr.Bellingham had gone.
Do people of Mr.Barker's stamp feel?
Probably not.

It requires a strong organisation, either animal or intellectual, to suffer much from any shock to the affections.

Englishmen, on those occasions when their passion gets the better of their caution, somewhat a rare occurrence nowadays, are capable of loving very strongly, and of suffering severely if thwarted, for they are among the most powerful races in the animal kingdom.