But, nevertheless, he liked the idea of meeting her in London.

He felt some triumph in the thought that he should be the first to touch her hand on her return after all that she had suffered.

He would be very courteous to her, and would spare no trouble that would give her any ease.

As for her rooms, he would see to everything of which he could think that might add to her comfort; and a wish crept upon him, uninvited, that she might be conscious of what he had done for her.
Would she be aware, he wondered, that he was engaged?
Lady Clavering had known it for the last three months, and would probably have mentioned the circumstance in a letter.

But perhaps not.