Lady Camper's return was the subject of speculation in the neighbourhood, for most people thought she would cease to persecute the General with her preposterous and unwarrantable pen-and-ink sketches when living so closely proximate; and how he would behave was the question.

Those who made a hero of him were sure he would treat her with disdain.

Others were uncertain.

He had been so severely hit that it seemed possible he would not show much spirit.
He, for his part, had come to entertain such dread of the post, that Lady Camper's return relieved him of his morning apprehensions; and he would have forgiven her, though he feared to see her, if only she had promised to leave him in peace for the future.

He feared to see her, because of the too probable furnishing of fresh matter for her ladyship's hand.