There are rejected lovers who, merely because they are lovers, become subject to the scorn and even to the disgust of the girls they love.

But again there are men who, even when they are rejected, are almost loved, who are considered to be worthy of all reverence, almost of worship;--and yet the worshippers will not love them.

Not analysing all this, but somewhat conscious of the light in which this girl regarded him, he knew that what he might say would be treated with deference.

As to shaking her,--as to talking her out of one purpose and into another,--that to him did not for a moment seem to be practicable.

There was no hope of that.