Things had always been inevitable; it was plain to be understood that she had loved Michael all along, and nothing he personally could have done with all his devotion could have changed this fact.

He ought to have known that it was hopeless and that he was only living in a fool's paradise.

Never once had he seen the light in her eyes for himself which sprang there even at the mention of Michael's name.

What was this tremendous power this man possessed to so deeply affect women, to so greatly charm every one?
Was it just "it," as the Princess had said?
Anguish now fell upon Henry; there was no consolation anywhere to be found.
He went over again all the details of the story he had heard, and himself filled up the links in the chain.

How brutal it was of Michael to have induced her to stay--even if she remained of her own accord--and then the frightful thoughtless recklessness of letting her go off afterwards just because he was angry! Wild fury blazed up against his old friend.