How could she enjoy an hour of mental quietude when, for all she knew, Mrs.
Higgins and the patient might be throwing lamps at each other?
And her jealousy was still active, though she did not allow it to betray itself in words.

Clarence seemed to her quite needlessly anxious in his inquiries concerning Miss Derrick's condition.

Until that young lady had disappeared from 'Runnymede' for ever, Emmeline would keep matronly watch and ward.
Mrs.Higgins declared at least a score of times every day that she could _not_ understand how this dreadful affair had come to pass.
The most complete explanation from her daughter availed nothing; she deemed the event an insoluble mystery, and, in familiar talk with Mrs.Mumford, breathed singular charges against Louise's lover.
'She's shielding him, my dear.

I've no doubt of it.

I never had a very good opinion of him, but now she shall never marry him with _my_ consent.' To this kind of remark Emmeline at length deigned no reply.