Clara, Mannering's niece, who was immensely impressed with him, lingered behind.
"Don't you really care for any games at all, Sir Leslie ?" she asked.
He shook his head.
"I know that you think me a barbarian," he remarked, smiling.
"On the contrary," she declared, "that is probably what you think us.

I suppose they are really a waste of time when one has other things to do! Only down here, you see, there is nothing else to do." He looked at her thoughtfully.

He had never yet in his life spoken half a dozen words with man, woman or child without wondering whether they might not somehow or other contribute towards his scheme of life.

Clara Mannering was pretty, and no doubt foolish.

She lived alone with her uncle, and possibly had some influence over him.