He was a man of humour in his way, and Alice came to regard him with amusement.

Then his extreme respect flattered her; insensibly she took him for her criterion of gentility in men.

He supplied her with 'society' journals, and now and then suggested the new novel that it behoved her to read.

Richard had even withdrawn his opposition to the theatre-going; about once in three weeks Mr.Keene presented himself with tickets, and Alice, accompanied by her brother, accepted his invitation.
He called this Monday evening.

Mrs.Mutimer, after spending a day of fretful misery, had gone to Wilton Square; 'Arry was away at his classes.