"And you believe he'll carry this thing through now?"
"I'm sure he'll propose to her. Didn't you see his eyes? And you know what a fellow he is. When once he sets his mind upon a thing he'll go straight on. Ordinary considerations do not daunt him. Refusals will only make him more determined. Besides, you wounded his pride to-night, and—well, I wish we had not been such fools. For my own part, I am ashamed of the whole business."
"I tell you we need not fear. We know what Miss Castlemaine is. She is not the kind of woman to be carried away by a handsome presence and clever speeches. It isn't as though this would be her first offer."
"No, but she admires strength. Do you know her favourite characters in history?"
"No."
"Well, just think. The men she admires most are Luther, Richelieu, Cromwell, and Napoleon."
"A curious combination."
"Yes, but each one of them had the same characteristics. All of them were strong men, men who dared great things, played for great stakes."
"Well, Leicester has not dared great things."
"But he's capable of great things. Why, you know as well as I, that when he's in a room, every one else is put in the shade, that is if he cares to exert himself. I tell you Leicester could be a great man, if he only had the motive power."