Dr.Derwent and his daughter exchanged but few words until they found themselves in Bryanston Square.
During their absence abroad, Mrs.Hannaford had been keeping house for them.

With brief intervals spent now and then in pursuit of health, she had made Bryanston Square her home since the change in her circumstances two years ago.

Lee Hannaford held no communication with her, content to draw the modest income she put at his disposal, and Olga, her mother knew not why, was still unmarried, though declaring herself still engaged to the man Kite.

She lived here and there in lodgings, at times seeming to maintain herself, at others accepting help; her existence had an air of mystery far from reassuring.
On meeting her aunt, Irene found her looking ill and troubled.

Mrs.
Hannaford declared that she was much as usual, and evaded inquiries.
She passed from joy at her relatives' return to a mood of silent depression; her eyes made one think that she must have often shed tears of late.