He was striving to measure the other's resistance.

He noted the horror of Mr.Harley at the term forger; he observed Mr.Harley's growing sense of helplessness as he, Storri, set forth how Mr.Harley lay in the toils.

Now, when Mr.
Harley was prostrate beneath the harrow of every alarm, Storri, sure of success, went off on an easier tack--that is, easier for Mr.Harley.
"But why do we lose our self-control ?" cried Storri, voice and manner changed from black to white, clouds to sunshine; "we are men, not angry children! See, now, I want nothing a gentleman of honor might not grant.
I love your daughter--good! a Russian nobleman loves your daughter! Is that disgrace?
You approve; your wife approves! The daughter is young; she must be wooed before she is won.

What then: Is Storri to despair?
The lady would put Storri's love to the test.

She says: 'You must court me before you shall wed me.