From the first she had resented their social ostracism (when she became aware of it) as an insult to him; and now, evidently she had found the clue to the mysterious scandal in her knowledge of his conduct.
Before she could do that, in her own mind she must have accused him gravely.

And yet, but for this characteristic little inadvertence, he would never have known it.

How much did she know?
She went on a little incoherently; so many ideas cropped up to be gathered instantly, and wreathed into the sequence of her thought.
"Mother said people would talk if I didn't take care.

She thought Sir Peter--poor old Sir Peter--do you remember his funny red face, and his throat--all turkey's wattles ?--because he said I was the prettiest woman in Leicestershire.

I don't see much harm in that, you know.