No woman had ever received such honour from him, such homage public
and private. Arnold Jacks was pricked with uneasiness; Irene had at
once a new value in his eyes, and he feared he had foolishly
neglected his opportunities. If she married Romaine, it would be
mortifying. She refused the great man's offer, and Arnold was at
first astonished, then gratified. For such refusal there could be
only one ground: Miss Derwent's "heart" was already disposed of.
Women have "hearts"; they really do grow fond of the men they
admire; a singular provision of nature.
He would propose during the voyage.
But the voyage was nearly over; he might have put his formal little
question fifty times; it was still to be asked--and he felt
afraid. Afraid more than ever, now that he had committed himself
with Dr. Derwent. The Doctor had received his confession so calmly,
whereas Arnold hoped for some degree of effusiveness. Was he--
hideous doubt--preparing himself for an even worse disillusion?
Undoubtedly the people on board had remarked his attentions; for all
he knew, jokes were being passed, nay, bets being made. It was a
serious thing to proclaim oneself the wooer of a young lady who had
refused Trafford Romaine; who was known to have done so, and talked
about with envy, admiration, curiosity. You either carried her off,
or you made yourself fatally. ridiculous. Half a dozen of the
passengers would spread this gossip far and wide through England.
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