Purposely I did not tell you because I feared your greater caution and instinctive respectability might discourage me.

Otherwise, nobody's spotted me, so far.

I'd intended breaking it to you any day now, because I've gone too far to draw back, for weal or woe.

But either we have been rushed with business, or you've been anxious about Lady Fraser--How is she ?" (Norie interpolates "Very poorly.") "So truly sorry!--I was generally just about to tell you when Rose or Lilian--tiresome things!--would begin most assiduously passing in and out with papers.

Even now I mustn't keep you, with your mother so ill..." _Norie_ (looking at her wrist-watch): "Violet has very kindly promised to stay with mother till ten....