It could not.
The thought hurt his vanity a little.
It remained for him who had aroused it to linger here at the farm until the fancy had run its course and she was quite herself! Even if, long before, his own madness had waned.

That was apt to happen, for he was handicapped by an earlier start.

Yes, he would linger.

And he would be scrupulous and honorable and kind.

Joan was young and a woman.