Then he remembered her collectedness, which had been rather marked, but he had learned that emotion is more frequently concealed than forcibly expressed.
Moreover, he had never imagined that Sylvia was wholly free from faults; he suspected that there was a vein of calculating coldness in her, though it caused him no concern.

Bland was a man of experience who had acquired a good-humored toleration with the knowledge that one must not expect too much from human nature.
While Bland was being driven to the station, Sylvia entered the room where Herbert lay, and handed him the letter.
"Captain Bland came in during the evening to see Stephen and sent you this," she said.

"He told me you were to do what you thought fit with it." Herbert perused the letter, and then reaching out with some difficulty, flung it into the fire.
"I've taken him at his word," he said.

"Have you read the thing ?" "No; I fear the details would have puzzled me; but I understand its general import.

How was it your secretary was so careless ?" Herbert smiled.
"The man's smart enough, as a rule; but we all have our weak moments.
This, however, is not the kind of thing that's likely to lead to his advancement." He lay quiet for a moment or two; and then went on: "I'm grateful to you.