In fact, as in assertion, she was free.

The future depended entirely on her own will and pleasure.
That her mind was ceaselessly preoccupied with Arnold could only be deemed natural, for she had to come to a decision within three or four weeks' time.

But--if necessary the respite should be prolonged.
Eustace Derwent dined with them, and Irene noticed--what had occurred to her before now--that the young man seemed to have particular pleasure in the society of Mrs.Jacks; he conversed with her more naturally, more variously, than with any other lady of his friends; and Mrs.Jacks, through the unimpeachable correctness of her exterior, almost allowed it to be suspected that she found a special satisfaction in listening to him.

Eustace was a frequent guest at the Jacks'; yet there could hardly be much in common between him and the lady's elderly husband, nor was he on terms of much intimacy with Arnold.

Of course two such excellent persons, such models of decorum, such examples of the English ideal, masculine and feminine, would naturally see in each other the most desirable of acquaintances; it was an instance of social and personal fitness, which the propriety of our national manners renders as harmless as it is delightful.