On seeing who was to receive him, he made an instant's pause before coming forward; there was merely a bow on both sides.
Elgar knew well enough in what mood this lady was about to converse with him.

He did not like her, and partly, no doubt, because he had discerned her estimate of his character, his faculties.

That she alone was in the room gave him no surprise, though it irritated him and inflamed his impatience.

He would have had her speak immediately and to the point, that he might understand his position.

Mrs.Lessingham, quite aware of his perfervid state of mind, had pleasure in delaying.
Her real feeling towards him was anything but unfriendly; had it been possible, she would have liked to see much of him, to enjoy his talk.
Young men of this stamp amused her, and made strong appeal to certain of her sympathies.