Mrs.Welman was in a position exactly the reverse of the pleasant one; she had responsibility without power.

It is true her responsibility was mainly a figment of her own brain, but its burden upon her was none the less heavy for that.
It must be admitted that Ayre's dealings with her were wanting in candor.

Under the guise of family friendship, he led her on to open her mind to him.

He extracted from her detailed accounts of long excursions into the outskirts of the forest, of numberless walks in the shady paths, of an expedition to the races (where perfect solitude can always be obtained), and of many other diversions which Kate and Haddington had enjoyed together, while she was left to knit "clouds" and chew reflections in the Kurhaus garden.

All this, Ayre recognized, with lively but suppressed satisfaction, was not as it should be.
"I have spoken to Kate," she concluded, "but she takes no notice; will you do me a service ?" "Of course," said Ayre; "anything I can." "Will you speak to Mr.Haddington ?" This by no means suited Ayre's book.