With the passing of time Louise had considered Lee's course in relation to the girl as a cause for wonder.

The engineer was singularly patient, or incredibly obtuse, or marvellously in love.

Whichever it was, her heart stirred with pity.

He deserved better, he deserved the best.

As for Ruth Gardner, she could now only think of her with a hot resentment that set her lips quivering; and she was moved at moments by a profound desire to express her sympathy to him and to give that warm encouragement his spirit on occasion must need.