And now, with the contempt there blended a strain of jealousy.
True that he himself had caught eagerly at the hope of entering Parliament; but it was the impulse of a man who knew his life to be falling into ruin, who welcomed any suggestion that would save him from final and fatal apathy--of a man whose existence had always been loveless--who, with passionate ideals, had never known anything but a venal embrace.

In Quarrier's position, with abounding resources, with the love of such a woman as this, what would he not have made of life?
Would it ever have occurred to _him_ to wear a mask of vulgar deceit, to condemn his exquisite companion to a hateful martyrdom, that he might attain the dizzy height of M.P.-ship for Polterham?
He compassionated Lilian, and at the same time he was angry with her.
He looked upon her beauty, her gentle spirit, with tenderness, and therewithal he half hoped that she might some day repent of yielding to Quarrier's vulgar ambition.
"Have you made many acquaintances ?" he asked.
"A good many.

Some, very pleasant people; others--not so interesting." "Polterham society will not absorb you, I think." "I hope to have a good deal of quiet time.

But Denzil wishes me to study more from life than from books, just now.

I must understand all the subjects that interest him." "Yes--the exact position, as a force in politics, of the licensed victuallers; the demands of the newly enfranchised classes--that kind of thing." He seemed to be jesting, and she laughed good-humouredly.
"Those things are very important, Mr.Glazzard." "Infinitely!" He did not stay long, and upon his departure Lilian gave a sigh of relief.
The next day he was to lunch with the Mumbrays.