The lofty Hilda admitted it.

Caroline herself negligently admitted it by a peculiar, brusque, unaffected geniality of condescension towards Sarah.
"Do go, mother!" said Hilda.

To herself she had been saying: "Another of his wonderful ideas!" The prospect of being alone in the house with Florrie, of being free for a space to live her own life untrammelled and throw all her ardour into her work, was inexpressibly attractive to Hilda.

It promised the most delicious experience that she had ever had.
"Yes," retorted Mrs.Lessways.

"And leave you here by yourself! A nice thing!" "I shall be all right," said Hilda confidently and joyously.