In a rapid flash of thought he came to the conclusion that if the debts were actually paid he need not be civil to the old lady.

He felt that he could have been rude to her if he had actual possession of the receipts.

As it was, however, he could not yet afford to have any unpleasantness.

There was still to come that lowering interview with his father; and he could not look towards it satisfactorily until he had the assurance of the actual documents that he was safe.

Miss Rowly was, in her own way, reading his mind in his face.
Her lorgnon seemed to follow his every expression like a searchlight.