Malcolm had long seen Heather. So when he saw her absentminded expression from a distance, he instantly felt elated.
It must be because she saw him confess his love to Helen yesterday, and she regretted not agreeing to his confession sooner.
This idea greatly gratified his vanity. He knew that Heather must like him, too. She had been turning him down because she was pretending that she disliked him. She must feel sorry and sad now.
"Don't be sad, Heather," Malcolm said with an affectionate look.
Heather looked at him blankly in puzzlement. What did he mean? Why should she be sad?
"I know you're remorseful that you didn't say yes to my confession earlier, but it's not too late now." He added, "In fact, I still have feelings for you."