On the previous day she had discovered Carmina and Miss Minerva engaged in a private conference--without having been able even to guess what the subject under discussion between them might be.

They were again together that morning.

Maria and Zo had gone to church with their father; Miss Minerva was kept at home by a headache.

At that hour, and under those circumstances, there was no plausible pretence which would justify Mrs.Gallilee's interference.
She seriously contemplated the sacrifice of a month's salary, and the dismissal of her governess without notice.
When the footman opened the door, Benjulia handed in the packet of letters.

After his latest experience of Mrs.Gallilee, he had no intention of returning her visit.