In her eyes he was a gentleman, and one who had a right to hold his head high among the best.

When he was poorest, he had felt himself to be in her eyes a hero.

Are there many men who can resist the charm of the one woman who believes them to be heroic?
Are not most men, too, really better for the trust and faith that is placed in them by others, as the earthen vessel, valueless in itself, becomes a thing of prize and beauty under the loving hand of the artist who draws graceful figures upon it and colours it skilfully, and handles it tenderly?
And now the poor man was puzzled and made anxious by the girl's obstinate rejection of his offer.

A chilly thought took shape in his mind and pained him exceedingly.
"Vjera," he said at last, "I see how it is.

You have never loved me.