But, to be sure, why should she be?
It was unlikely that she would have taken more than a friendly interest in him.

He mocked at himself, and thought of his harsh uncomeliness.

If he had been Ilbert now his conduct of all this winter past would have been unpardonable.

But Ilbert and he were made in a different mould.

Oddly, the thought did not comfort him--was a bitter one, rather.
"Won't you sit down and tell me about it ?" Mary said, her eyes looking at him frankly and kindly.