He stood as a conqueror on the threshold of a newly acquired kingdom and exulted over the splendour of its treasures because it was all his own.
It did not even occur to him to doubt that her happiness fully equalled his.

Stella was a woman and reserved; but she was happy enough, oh, she was happy enough.

With complacence he reflected that if every man in the mess envied him, probably every woman in the station would have gladly changed places with her.

Was he not Fortune's favourite?
What happier fate could any woman desire than to be his bride?
.