Several times their eyes accidentally met, and then there poured into hers such a flood of feeling as she had never before experienced.

She could not for the moment explain it, for in the next glance or the next move of the hand there was seeming indifference, mingled only with the kindest attention.
Drouet shared in the conversation, but he was almost Dull in comparison.
Hurstwood entertained them both, and now it was driven into Carrie's mind that here was the superior man.

She instinctively felt that he was stronger and higher, and yet with a so simple.

By the end of the third act she was sure that Drouet was only a kindly soul, but otherwise defective.

He sank every moment in her estimation by the strong comparison.
"I have had such a nice time," said Carrie, when it was all over and they were coming out.
"Yes, indeed," added Drouet, who was not in the least aware that a battle had been fought and his defenses weakened.