"My actions appear to rouse suspicions." Cecilia blushed.
"Oh, that's absurd! Still, no one could think anything if I come with you.

Hilary, have you thought that if she continues coming to Father---" "I shall tell her that she mustn't!" Cecilia's heart gave two thumps, the first with pleasure, the second with sympathy.
"It will be horrid for you," she said.

"You hate doing anything of that sort." Hilary nodded.
"But I'm afraid it's the only way," went on Cecilia, rather hastily.
"And, of course, it will be no good saying anything to Father; one must simply let him suppose that she has got tired of it." Again Hilary nodded.
"He will think it very funny,", murmured Cecilia pensively.

"Oh, and have you thought that taking her away from where she is will only make those people talk the more ?" Hilary shrugged his shoulders.
"It may make that man furious," Cecilia added.
"It will." "Oh, but then, of course, if you don't see her afterwards, they will have no--no excuse at all." "I shall not see her afterwards," said Hilary, "if I can avoid it." Cecilia looked at him.
"It's very sweet of you, Hilary." "What is sweet ?" asked Hilary stonily.
"Why, to take all this trouble.

Is it really necessary for you to do anything ?" But looking in his face, she went on hastily: "Yes, yes, it's best.