If he took her, it was to be feared he would have to take her without more dowry than some very heavy imprecations.

But could he take her, even thus?
Sophie had some very strange misgivings.

This man was desperately unhappy: was suffering frightfully: it made her heart ache to see the haggard lines deepening on his face, to see his colorless lips and restless eyes.

She was sorry for him, as a woman is apt to be sorry for a fascinating man.

And then she was frightened, for he was "no carpet knight so trim," to whom cognac, and cigars, and time would be a balm: this man was essentially dramatic, a dangerous character, an article with which she was unfamiliar.