Lucy looking up, felt a little pang.
For nothing could he more curious than the change in Manisty's manner towards the most constant of companions and secretaries.

He had given up all continuous work at his book; he talked now of indefinite postponement; and it seemed as if with the change of plan Mrs.Burgoyne had dropped out of the matter altogether.

He scarcely consulted her indeed; he consulted Mr.Neal.

Mr.Neal often, moved by a secret chivalry, would insist upon bringing her in to their counsels; Manisty immediately became unmanageable, silent, and embarrassed.

And how characteristic and significant was that embarrassment of his! It was as though he had a grievance against her; which however he could neither formulate for himself nor express to her.
On the other hand--perhaps inevitably--he began to take much more notice of Lucy Foster, and to find talking with her an escape.