A woman who would scorn the vulgarism of jealousy, and yet know what it is to love.
This was asking much of nature and civilization; did he grossly deceive himself in thinking he had found the paragon?
For thus far had he advanced in his thoughts of Rhoda Nunn.

If the phrase had any meaning, he was in love with her; yet, strange complex of emotions, he was still only half serious in his desire to take her for a wife, wishing rather to amuse and flatter himself by merely inspiring her with passion.

Therefore he refused to entertain a thought of formal marriage.

To obtain her consent to marriage would mean nothing at all; it would afford him no satisfaction.

But so to play upon her emotions that the proud, intellectual, earnest woman was willing to defy society for his sake--ah! that would be an end worth achieving.
Ever since the dialogue in which he frankly explained his position, and all but declared love, he had not once seen Rhoda in private.