If indeed, he might find her alone-- But, perhaps that might be worse for him than any other condition.
When he was shown into the drawing-room there was nobody there.

"They were here a minute ago, all three," said the servant girl.

"If you'll walk down the garden, Mr John, you'll be sure to find some of 'em." So John Eames, with a little hesitation, walked down the garden.
First of all he went the whole way round the walks, meeting nobody.
Then he crossed the lawn, returning again to the farther end; and there, emerging from the little path which led from the Great House, he encountered Lily alone.

"Oh, John," she said, "how d'ye do?
I'm afraid you did not find anybody in the house.

Mamma and Bell are with Hopkins, away in the large kitchen-garden." "I've just come over," said Eames, "because I promised.