Here there were no intricacies or entanglements.

The prospect began and ended with her return to the Refuge, if the matron would receive her.

She did no injustice to Julian Gray; that great heart would feel for her, that kind hand would be held out to her, she knew.

But what would happen if she thoughtlessly accepted all that his sympathy might offer?
Scandal would point to her beauty and to his youth, and would place its own vile interpretation on the purest friendship that could exist between them.

And _he_ would be the sufferer, for _he_ had a character--a clergyman's character--to lose.No.For his sake, out of gratitude to _him_, the farewell to Mablethorpe House must be also the farewell to Julian Gray.
The precious minutes were passing.