She could see him through her tears, blurred to a mere shadow on the white road, and then again becoming more distinct, but always absolutely still and as if lost in thought before a strange phenomenon which demanded the closest possible attention.
Flora learned later that he had never seen a woman cry; not in that way, at least.

He was impressed and interested by the mysteriousness of the effect.

She was very conscious of being looked at, but was not able to stop herself crying.

In fact, she was not capable of any effort.
Suddenly he advanced two steps, stooped, caught hold of her hands lying on her lap and pulled her up to her feet; she found herself standing close to him almost before she realized what he had done.

Some people were coming briskly along the road and Captain Anthony muttered: "You don't want to be stared at.