And it must also be
said, in order not to make Anthony more stupidly sublime than he was,
that the behaviour of Flora kept him at a distance. The girl was afraid
to add to the exasperation of her father. It was her unhappy lot to be
made more wretched by the only affection which she could not suspect. She
could not be angry with it, however, and out of deference for that
exaggerated sentiment she hardly dared to look otherwise than by stealth
at the man whose masterful compassion had carried her off. And quite
unable to understand the extent of Anthony's delicacy, she said to
herself that "he didn't care." He probably was beginning at bottom to
detest her--like the governess, like the maiden lady, like the German
woman, like Mrs. Fyne, like Mr. Fyne--only he was extraordinary, he was
generous. At the same time she had moments of irritation. He was
violent, headstrong--perhaps stupid. Well, he had had his way.
A man who has had his way is seldom happy, for generally he finds that
the way does not lead very far on this earth of desires which can never
be fully satisfied.
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