[QUOTE=Rachel G]Is his problem an undersized ego or something? Can his behaviour be attributed to his short stature? [QUOTE]

Perhaps his problem is an oversized, rather than undersized, ego coupled with "short man syndrome". lol

I too wonder at what is driving this man to play this sort of game with these two sisters, but then what drives any man to "play" a woman? It must give him tremendous self-satisfication to have sisters fighting over his attention, and therefore the easy answer is that it boosts his self-esteem. However, Henry doesn't strike me as a man lacking self-confidence. In some twisted way, I think he just enjoys the hunt...the harder the prey the more enjoyment. Afterall, Mary describes him as a determined flirt--and he is a man capable of immense charm. At this point in the novel, Maria remains engaged and perhaps he perceives that as a challenge.