"Yes, we'll come whatever the weather is." The young man shook hands with them, raised his hat, and walked away without further speech.

It occurred to him that he might overtake Narramore at the station, and in that hope he hastened; but Narramore must have left by a London and North-Western train which had just started; he was nowhere discoverable.

Hilliard travelled back by the Great Western, after waiting about an hour; he had for companions half-a-dozen beer-muddled lads, who roared hymns and costers' catches impartially.
His mind was haunted with deadly suspicions: he felt sick at heart.
Eve's headache, undoubtedly, was a mere pretence for not accompanying Patty to-day.

She had desired to be alone, and--this he discovered no less clearly--she wished the friendship between him and Patty to be fostered.

With what foolish hope?
Was she so shallow-natured as to imagine that he might transfer his affections to Patty Ringrose?
it proved how strong her desire had grown to be free from him.
The innocent Patty (_was_ she so innocent ?) seemed not to suspect the meaning of her friend's talk.