Of course, her mind at once conceived,--not that the Melmotte connection could ever really affect him, for she felt sure that she would never accept his offer,--but that he might think that he would be so affected.

Of course he resented the feeling which she thus attributed to him.

But, in truth, he was much too simple-minded for any such complex idea.

'Felix,' he continued, 'has already descended so far that I cannot pretend to be anxious as to what houses he may frequent.

But I should be sorry to think that you should often be seen at Mr Melmotte's.' 'I think, Mr Carbury, that mamma will take care that I am not taken where I ought not to be taken.' 'I wish you to have some opinion of your own as to what is proper for you.' 'I hope I have.