As he thought of this he did not by any means accuse himself of inconstancy or of weakness of heart.

It appeared to him now the most natural thing in the world that he should love Florence Burton.

In those old days he had never seen Florence, and had hardly thought seriously of what qualities a man really wants in a wife.

As he walked up and down the hill of Stratton Street, with the kiss of the dear, modest, affectionate girl still warm upon his lips, he told himself that a marriage with such a one as Julia Brabazon would have been altogether fatal to his chance of happiness.
And things had occurred and rumors had reached him which assisted him much in adopting this view of the subject.

It was known to all the Claverings--and even to all others who cared about such things--that Lord and Lady Ongar were not happy together, and it had been already said that Lady Ongar had misconducted herself.