His modesty, withal, was excessive; to Wilfrid's humane culture he deferred at all times; for all the learning which lay outside his own sphere he had boundless reverence.

Wilfrid's gain by him was not only of a pleasant personal acquaintance; the intercourse extended his views, and in particular gave direction to much that had hitherto been vague potentiality in his character.

In more than one sense this visit to Dunfield was to prove a turning point in his life.
Beatrice, in the meantime, held herself apart; Wilfrid had never before felt himself so little at ease in her presence.

It was as though the short time which had elapsed since their last meeting had effected a permanent change in their mutual relations.

Previously their intercourse had gone as far in familiarity as was possible if it were not to take quite a new colour; now all at once this past seemed to go for nothing.
Beatrice was the active source of change.