In his character there was much of weakness, much of vacillation, perhaps some deficiency of strength and purpose; but there was no touch of vanity.

Women had loved him, and had told him so; and he had been made happy, and also wretched, by their love.

But he had never taken pride, personally, to himself because they had loved him.

It had been the accident of his life.

Now he remembered chiefly that this woman had called herself his sister, and he was grateful.
Then he thought of her personal appearance.