If you repel them they are mortally offended and withdraw, and if you welcome them they are terrified and withdraw." "I don't think Wentworth intends withdrawing." "No.

These meetings look as if he had unconsciously drifted with the current till the rowing back would be somewhat arduous." There was a moment's silence, in which Magdalen recalled certain lofty sentiments which Wentworth had aired with suspicious frequency of late.

She knew that when he talked of his consciousness of guidance by a Higher Power in the important decisions of his life he always meant following the line of least resistance.

In this case the line of least resistance _might_ tend towards marriage.
"It never struck me as possible till now," she said aloud, "that Fay would think seriously of him." "I don't suppose she is.

She is only keeping her hand in.