He awaited impatiently the end, when they should go home alone.
Hurstwood, on the contrary, saw in the strength of her new attractiveness his miserable predicament.

He could have cursed the man beside him.

By the Lord, he could not even applaud feelingly as he would.

For once he must simulate when it left a taste in his mouth.
It was in the last act that Carrie's fascination for her lovers assumed its most effective character.
Hurstwood listened to its progress, wondering when Carrie would come on.
He had not long to wait.

The author had used the artifice of sending all the merry company for a drive, and now Carrie came in alone.