It seemed to speak--perhaps a little prematurely or too finely--of the sense in which she would help Mrs.Pocock with the shops.

The way that lady took her in, moreover, added depth to his impression of what Miss Gostrey, by their common wisdom, had escaped.

He winced as he saw himself but for that timely prudence ushering in Maria as a guide and an example.

There was however a touch of relief for him in his glimpse, so far as he had got it, of Sarah's line.

She "knew Paris." Madame de Vionnet had, for that matter, lightly taken this up.