Had she ever loved him?
There was too much ground for suspecting that she had only yielded to the persistence of his entreaties, with just liking enough to permit a semblance of tenderness, and glad to exchange her prospect of distasteful work for a comfortable married life.

Her liking he might have fostered; during those first happy weeks, assuredly he had done so, for no woman could be insensible to the passionate worship manifest in his every look, his every word.

Later, he took the wrong path, seeking to oppose her instincts, to reform her mind, eventually to become her lord and master.

Could he not even now retrace his steps?
Supposing her incapable of bowing before him, of kissing his feet, could he not be content to make of her a loyal friend, a delightful companion?
In that mood he hastened towards Burlington House.

Seeking Monica through the galleries, he saw her at length--sitting side by side with that man Barfoot.