An evening spent in Arthur's company might do her good.

The experiment proved successful.

He really was quite a dear boy.

Eyeing him thoughtfully through the smoke of her cigarette, it occurred to her how like he was to Guido's painting of St.Sebastian; those soft, dreamy eyes and that beautiful, almost feminine, face! There always had been a suspicion of the saint about him even as a boy: nothing one could lay hold of: just that odd suggestion of a shadow intervening between him and the world.
It seemed a favourable opportunity to inform him of that fixed determination of hers: never--in all probability--to marry: but to devote her life to her work.

She was feeling very kindly towards him; and was able to soften her decision with touches of gentle regret.