Possibly some slight, vague fear had already touched her when she favoured Mrs.
Spence with the description of her "system;" not impossibly she felt the need of reassuring herself by making clear her attitude to one likely to appreciate it.

But at that time she had not dreamt of such a sudden downfall of her theoretic edifice; she believed in its strength, and did not doubt of her supreme influence with Cecily.

It was not to be wondered at that she felt annoyed with the man who, at a touch, made the elaborate structure collapse like a bubble.

She imagined Mrs.
Spence's remarks when she came to hear of what had happened, her fine smile to her husband.

The occurrence was mortifying.
"Miss Doran has put into my hands a letter she received from you this morning, Mr.Elgar." Reuben waited.