He quite realised this, and became
all the more eager. Her eyes made his reasoning clearer. He had
never before had such complete faith in himself as when near her,
and now no misgivings succeeded.
Helene, however, had not hitherto known the direction and results
of his studies. He was an engineer, that was all that she had
heard on the subject. When he had told her more about it he rose
considerably in her estimation. It was SHE now who began to feel
constrained. At first she did not understand why she felt obliged
to put more restraint upon herself. After a time she began to
excuse herself from joining him, and their walks became more rare.
"She had so much to do now."
He did not comprehend the reason of this; he fancied that his
mother might be to blame (which, by the way, was quite a mistake),
and he grew angry. He was already greatly affronted that his
mother had chosen to confound his former gallantries with his
present attachment. He quite forgot that at first he had merely
sought to amuse himself here as elsewhere. He gave himself up
entirely to his passion, which would brook no hindrance, no
opposition; it became majestic.
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