So eager was Mrs.Dinneford to compass the ruin of Granger that she stepped beyond the limit of common prudence, and sought private interviews with Freeling, both before and after the completion of the partnership arrangement.

These took place in the parlor of a fashionable hotel, where the gentleman and lady seemed to meet accidentally, and without attracting attention.
Mrs.Dinneford was very confidential in these interviews not concealing her aversion to Granger.

He had come into the family, she said, as an unwelcome intruder; but now that he was there, they had to make the best of him.

Not in spoken words did Mrs.Dinneford convey to Freeling the bitter hatred that was in her heart, nor in spoken words let him know that she desired the young man's utter ruin, but he understood it all before the close of their first private interview.

Freeling was exceedingly deferential in the beginning and guarded in his speech.