That he could examine Helen with his calm, careful eye, as though she were an object for mental and moral appraisement only; that he could see her so acutely, and yet remain so unmoved by her rarity, at once pleased and displeased Althea.

It showed him as so safe, but it showed him as so narrow.

She found herself thinking almost impatiently that Franklin simply had no sense of charm at all.

Helen interested him, but she did not stir in him the least wistfulness or wonder, as charm should do.

Miss Buckston interested him, too.