"His manner was offensive, derisive, from the first.

I don't mean he was actually rude in words.

Hang it all, I am not a contemptible ass.

But he was exulting at having got hold of a miserable girl." "It is pretty certain that she will be much less poor and miserable," I murmured.
It looked as if the exultation of Captain Anthony had got on Fyne's nerves.

"I told the fellow very plainly that he was abominably selfish in this," he affirmed unexpectedly.
"You did! Selfish!" I said rather taken aback.