"I hope Theresa is seeing that he has a good time," she said.
"I suppose he thinks as he says--that he'd only be in the way here.
That's a man's view! It's selfish, but who isn't selfish ?" Thus, without her being in the least aware of the process, her mind was preparing her for what was about to happen.

It is a poor mind, or poorly served by its subconscious half, that is taken wholly by surprise by any blow.

There are always forewarnings; and while the surface mind habitually refuses to note them, though they be clear as sunset silhouettes, the subconscious mind is not so stupid--so blind under the sweet spells of that arch-enchanter, vanity.
At last Ross came, but without sending Adelaide word.

His telegram to his mother gave just time for a trap to meet him at the station.

As he was ascending the broad, stone approaches of the main entrance to the house at Point Helen, she appeared in the doorway, her face really beautiful with mother-pride.