From the first his way of regarding her had shown frank interest.

And at length had come the confession of his 'respect,' his desire to be something more to her than a mere acquaintance.

It was scarcely possible that he should speak as he several times had of late if he did not wish to draw her towards him.
That was the hopeful side of her thoughts.

It was easy to forget for a time those words of his which one might think were spoken as distinct warning; but they crept into the memory, unwelcome, importunate, as soon as imagination had built its palace of joy.

Why did he always recur to the subject of money?
'I shall allow nothing to come in my way;' he once said that as if meaning, 'certainly not a love affair with a girl who is penniless.' He emphasised the word 'friend,' as if to explain that he offered and asked nothing more than friendship.
But it only meant that he would not be in haste to declare himself.