His authorship was never avowed between them.

Nevertheless this criticism annoyed and pricked him.

He said to himself that it was just like a woman--who always took the personal view.

But he had not yet begun on his last two articles, which were overdue.
On one occasion, encouraged perhaps by some kindness of expression on her part, he had ventured an indirect question or two, meant to procure him some information about her past history and present way of life.

She had rebuffed him at once; and he had said to himself fiercely that it was of course because he was a man of the people and she one of 'the upper ten.' He might paint her; but he must not presume to know her! On the other hand, his mind was still warm with memories of her encouragement, her praise.