For though he was careless in his bills he was every inch the gentleman.

And I wouldn't object to take him in again.

Or p'raps you yourself, ma'am, might be a-wanting rooms." "No, I thank you.

Good morning." And Hilary hurried away.
Not a word did she say to Elizabeth, or Elizabeth to her, till they got into the dull, dingy parlor--henceforth, to be their sole apology for "home:" and then she only talked about domestic arrangements--talked fast and eagerly, and tried to escape the affectionate eyes which she knew were so sharp and keen.

Only to escape them--not to blind them; she had long ago found out that Elizabeth was too quick-witted for that, especially in any thing that concerned "the family." She felt convinced the girl had heard every syllable that passed at Ascott's lodgings: that she knew all that was to be known, and guessed what was to be feared as well as Hilary herself.
"Elizabeth"-- she hesitated long, and doubted whether she should say the thing before she did say it--"remember we are all strangers in London, and family matters are best kept within the family.