as if it would be indeed their last chance, still sitting, though awkwardly, quite close, and feeling also—and this most unmistakably—that there was one thing more to go into. By the time it came to the surface, moreover, our young friend had recognised the whole of the main truth, from which she even drew again a slight irritation. It was not the main truth perhaps that most signified; but after her momentary effort, her embarrassment and her tears, Mrs. Jordan had begun to sound afresh—and even without speaking—the note of a social connection. She hadn't really let go of it that she was marrying into society. Well, it was a harmless compensation, and it was all that the prospective bride of Mr. Mudge had to leave with her.
XXVII
This young lady at last rose again, but she lingered before going. 'And has Captain Everard nothing to say to it?'
'To what, dear?'
