Perhaps her invitation of Patty had no other motive.
That Patty was a conspirator against him he could not believe.

No! She was merely an instrument of Eve's subtlety.

And his suspicion had not gone beyond the truth.

Eve entertained the hope that Patty might take her place.

Perchance the silly, good-natured girl would feel no objection; though it was not very likely that she foresaw or schemed for such an issue.
At Snow Hill station it cost him an effort to rise and leave the carriage.