It appeared that there was a prospect of a child there.
This last was indeed true, and Emily had been much touched and awakened to sympathy.

It had gradually become revealed to her that the Osborns were poorer than they could decently admit.

Emily had discovered that they could not even remain in the lodgings in Duke Street, though she did not know the reason, which was that Captain Osborn had been obliged to pay certain moneys to stave off a scandal not entirely unconnected with the young woman his arm had encircled the day Walderhurst had seen him on the top of the bus.

He was very well aware that if he was to obtain anything from Lord Walderhurst, there were several things which must be kept entirely dark.

Even a scandal belonging to the past could be made as unpleasant as an error of to-day.