Thus she had a full quarter of an hour's start of her daughter.
The greeting between her and the young man was more cordial than might have been expected.

Mrs.Yorke was surprised to find how Keith had developed.

He had broadened, and though his face was thin, it had undeniable distinction.

His manner was so dignified that Mrs.Yorke was almost embarrassed.
"Why, how you have changed!" she exclaimed.

What she said to herself was: "What a bother for this boy to come here now, just when Alice is getting her mind settled! But I will get rid of him." She began to question him as to his plans.
What Keith had said to himself when the step on the stair and the rustling gown introduced Mrs.Yorke's portly figure was: "Heavens! it's the old lady! I wonder what the old dragon will do, and whether I am not to see Her!" He observed her embarrassment as she entered the room, and took courage.
The next moment they were fencing across the room, and Keith was girding himself like another young St.George.
How was his school coming on?
she asked.
He was not teaching any more.