Also, he was one of those unobservant people who, having once formed an impression of a person, do not revise it except under compulsion; his last observation of Margaret had resulted in an impression of good looks, exceptional charm.

He bent upon her a look in which understanding sympathy was heavily alloyed with the longing of the covetous man in presence of his neighbor's desirable possessions.

But he discreetly decided that he would not put into words--at least, not just yet--his sympathy with her for her dreadful, her tragic mistake.

No, it would be more tactful as well as more discreet to pretend belief that her tears had been caused by her grandmother.

He glanced round.
"Where's Madam Bowker ?" inquired he.