Square he pictured to himself what would be the wound to his pride if he were rejected;—and in passing the ten or twelve houses which intervened in Harley Street between the corner of the square and the abode of his mistress, he told himself that the question must be answered by circumstances.
'Yes, I understand you,' he said. 'And believe me in this—I would not for worlds encroach on your kindness. I knew that when I pressed your hand that night, I pressed the hand of a friend,—and nothing more.'
'Quite so,' said Sophia. Sophia's wit was usually ready enough, but at that moment she could not resolve with what words she might make the most appropriate reply to her—friend. What she did say was rather lame, but it was not dangerous.
'Since that I have suffered a great deal,' said Lucius. 'Of course you know that my mother has been staying at The Cleeve?'
'Oh yes. I believe she left it only a day or two since.'
'And you heard perhaps of her—. I hardly know how to tell you, if you have not heard it.'
'If you mean about Sir Peregrine, I have heard of that.'
'Of course you have. All the world has heard of it.' And Lucius Mason got up and walked about the room holding his hand to his brow. 'All the world are talking about it. Miss Furnival, you have never known what it is to blush for a parent.'
Miss Furnival at the moment felt a sincere hope that Mr. Mason might never hear of Mrs. Furnival's visit to the neighbourhood of Orange Street and of the causes which led to it, and by no means thought it necessary to ask for her friend's sympathy on that subject. 'No,' said she, 'I never have; nor need you do so for yours. Why should not Lady Mason have married Sir Peregrine Orme, if they both thought such a marriage fitting?'
'What; at such a time as this; with these dreadful accusations running in her ears? Surely this was no time for marrying! And what has come of it? People now say that he has rejected her and sent her away.'
'Oh no. They cannot say that.'
'But they do. It is reported that Sir Peregrine has sent her away because he thinks her to be guilty. That I do not believe. No honest man, no gentleman, could think her guilty. But is it not dreadful that such things should be said?'
'Will not the trial take place very shortly now? When that is once over all these troubles will be at an end.'
'Miss Furnival, I sometimes think that my mother will hardly have strength to sustain the trial. She is so depressed that I almost fear her mind will give way; and the worst of it is that I am altogether unable to comfort her.'
'Surely that at present should specially be your task
