But this, perhaps, only made him the more determined to see her.
Now and then, in her walks with Phillis and the children--she now never walked alone--she was certain she perceived him in the distance, his slight, tan figure, and peculiar way of swinging his cane, as he strolled down the long avenues, now glowing into the beauty of that exquisite May time which Avonsbridge people never weary of praising.
But still, if it were he, and if they did meet, what harm could it do to her?
She could always guard herself by a lady's strongest armor-- perfect courtesy.

Even should he recognize her, it was easy to bow and pass on, as she made up her mind to do, should the occasion arrive.
It never did, though several times she had actually been in the same drawing-room with him.

But it was in a crowded company, and he either did not see her, or had the good taste to assume that he had not done so.

And Miss Gascoigne, whose eye he caught, had only given him a distant bow.
"I shall bow, in spite of Dr.Grey and his crotchets," said she.

"But I suppose you are too much afraid of your husband." Christian did not reply, and the conversation dropped.
One good thing cheered her.