He was uncovered, his hat under his arm, and he stood aside to make way for her, imagining that she was some woman of the house.
"Mr.Wilding," said she, her heart fluttering in her throat.

"May I...
may I speak with you ?" He leaned forward, seeking to pierce the shadows of her wimple; he had thought he recognized the voice, as his sudden start had shown; and yet he disbelieved his ears.

She moved her head at that moment, and the light streaming out from a lamp in the passage beat upon her white face.
"Ruth!" he cried, and came quickly forward.

Trenchard, behind him, looked on and scowled with sudden impatience.

Mr.Wilding's philanderings with this lady had never had the old rake's approval.