She knew instantly that Knight, being perfectly aware of this, had an independent standard of admiration in the matter.
Elfride was thoroughly vexed.

She could not but be struck with the honesty of his opinions, and the worst of it was, that the more they went against her, the more she respected them.

And now, like a reckless gambler, she hazarded her last and best treasure.

Her eyes: they were her all now.
'What coloured eyes do you like best, Mr.Knight ?' she said slowly.
'Honestly, or as a compliment ?' 'Of course honestly; I don't want anybody's compliment!' And yet Elfride knew otherwise: that a compliment or word of approval from that man then would have been like a well to a famished Arab.
'I prefer hazel,' he said serenely.
She had played and lost again..