As I came along here from the railway-station, it occurred to me that the Dante story might have been repeated in my case; the Neapolitans should have pointed at me and whispered, 'Behold the man who has been in hell!'" Cecily was amused; she looked at Madeline and exchanged a friendly glance with her.

At the same time she was becoming aware that Mr.
Marsh, who sat opposite, vouchsafed her the homage of his gaze rather too frequently and persistently.

It was soon manifest to her, moreover, that Madeline had noted the same thing, and not with entire equanimity.
So Cecily began to converse with Mrs.Lessingham, and no longer gave heed to the artist's utterances.
She was going to spend an hour with Miriam this evening, without express invitation.

Mr.Bradshaw would drive up the hill with her, and doubtless Mr.Spence would see her safely home.

Thus she saw no more for the present of the Denyers' friend.
Those ladies had a private sitting-room, and thither, in the course of the evening, Clifford Marsh repaired.