One took the whip, and after mutual flourishes, drove away.
'Now!' mused the Countess, 'if Captain Evremonde should come!' It would break up the pic-nic.

Alas! the Countess had surrendered her humble hopes of a day's pleasure.

But if her mother came as well, what a diversion that would be! If her mother came before the Captain, his arrival would cover the retreat; if the Captain preceded her, she would not be noticed.

Suppose her mother refrained from coming?
In that case it was a pity, but the Jocelyns had brought it on themselves.
This mapping out of consequences followed the Countess's deeds, and did not inspire them.

Her passions sharpened her instincts, which produced her actions.