Emily found the smile hard to bear, but fortunately she was unknown.
Then she set forth homewards.

Such news as this, that she would see and speak with Wilfrid in a few hours, set self-command at defiance.

Between joy at the thought that even now he was nearing her, and fear of the events which might have led him to such a step, she was swayed in a tumult of emotion.

She longed to open the letter, yet felt she could not do so in the public roads.

She tried to think whether any ill chance could possibly interpose to prevent her being at the place of meeting; none was to be anticipated, unless, what was very unlikely, her mother should propose to join her afternoon walk.