She had expected to see Ralph and to have a chat with him, but she had counted on Miriam's presence as a matter of course; so this tete-a-tete in the quiet beauty of the night was as delightful as it was unanticipated.

More than that, it was an opportunity that ought not to be disregarded.
The new mind of Miss Dora Bannister was clear and quick in its perceptions, and prompt and independent in action.

It not only showed what she wanted, but indicated pretty clearly how she might get it.

Since she had been making use of this fresh intellect, she had been impressed very strongly by the belief that in the matter of matrimonial alliance, a girl should not neglect her interest by depending too much upon the option of other people.

Her own right of option she looked upon as a sacred right, and one that it was her duty to herself to exercise, and that promptly.