There could be no harm, I thought, in ascertaining the extent of the change which the loss of her mother had wrought in Rachel's character.

I decided, as a useful test, to probe her on the subject of her marriage-engagement to Mr.Godfrey Ablewhite.
Having first met her advances with all possible cordiality, I sat by her on the sofa, at her own request.

We discussed family affairs and future plans--always excepting that one future plan which was to end in her marriage.

Try as I might to turn the conversation that way, she resolutely declined to take the hint.

Any open reference to the question, on my part, would have been premature at this early stage of our reconciliation.