Captain Wragge, on his side, was apparently absorbed in the consideration of a new set of alternatives.

His hands descended into his empty pockets, and prophetically tested their capacity as receptacles for gold and silver.

The brightness of the precious metals was in his face, the smoothness of the precious metals was in his voice, as he provided himself with a new supply of words, and resumed the conversation.
"The next question," he said, "is the question of time.

Do these confidential investigations of ours require immediate attention--or can they wait ?" "For the present, they can wait," replied Magdalen.

"I wish to secure my freedom from all interference on the part of my friends before the inquiries are made." "Very good.