On the other hand, however, he made no visible effort to secure one.

Mrs.Willoughby wondered at his reticence, and did more than wonder.

She had by this time espoused his cause, and knowing no half-measures in her enthusiasms, saw his chances slipping from him, with considerable irritation.

She was consequently provoked to hint her advice to him on the evening before he was to leave.
Drake shook his head and replied frankly: 'One can be too previous.

I made that mistake once before, and I don't mean to repeat it.' He remained silent for a moment or two, and added: 'I think I'll tell you about it, Mrs.Willoughby.You have guessed some part of the story, and you are Clarice's friend, and mine too, I believe.' With an impulsiveness rare in him, which however served to rivet him yet more firmly in Mrs.Willoughby's esteem, he confided to her the history of his proposal and its lame result.