But now things seemed more hopeless than ever.
Juliet, although not very fond of her mother, was a devoted daughter from a sense of duty, and it would be difficult to bring her to consent to a match against which the elder woman so obstinately set her face.
Certainly Juliet had said she would marry with or without her mother's consent, but now that the consent was withheld with violent words, she seemed inclined to wait.

However, if she did not marry Mallow, he knew well that she would marry no one else, least of all the objectionable Arkwright, Cuthbert derived some degree of comfort from this small fact.

He wondered if there was any chance of forcing Mrs.Octagon into giving her consent, but after surveying the situation could see no opportunity.
After dinner that night, Cuthbert was thinking of going to see his uncle, who still stopped at the Avon Hotel when Hale was announced.
Mallow was surprised.

The lawyer was not a friend of his, and he had no liking for his company.

However, he felt a certain curiosity as to the reason of this unexpected visit and welcomed the man with civility.
But he did not ask him to have any coffee though it was on the table.
Cuthbert held to the traditions of the East regarding bread and salt, and he wished to leave himself free to deal with Hale as an enemy, should occasion arise, as it might.