She has visited the lady who is now Mrs.Athel, and that with the express purpose of representing herself as nothing more than a friend of Wilfrid's.

You remember she had a slight acquaintance with Miss Hood.
After this I don't see how we can refuse to aid her plan.' 'She visited Miss Hood ?' asked Mrs.Birks, with the mild amazement of a lady who respects her emotions.

'Does Wilfrid know that ?' 'Beatrice asked his permission to go.' 'This is altogether beyond me,' confessed Mr.Athel, drawing down his waistcoat and taking a turn across the room.

Of course, if they have been amusing themselves with a kind of game, well, we have nothing to do but to regret that our invitation to join in it has come rather late.
For my own part, I was disposed to take a somewhat more serious view.

Of course it's no good throwing away one's indignation.