She could not help it; not to do so would have frightened her too much.

But in considering the conditions of her daughter's married state, she rejected firmly all flattering illusions.

She took the cold and reasonable view that the less strain put on Mr Verloc's kindness the longer its effects were likely to last.

That excellent man loved his wife, of course, but he would, no doubt, prefer to keep as few of her relations as was consistent with the proper display of that sentiment.

It would be better if its whole effect were concentrated on poor Stevie.