In an instant, she remembered that Alban's motive for cautioning her, in her coming intercourse with Mrs.
Rook, was not the merely friendly motive which might have actuated him, in the case of one of the other girls.

At the same time, her quickness of apprehension warned her not to risk encouraging this persistent lover, by betraying any embarrassment on her side.

He was evidently anxious to be present (in her interests) at the interview with Mrs.
Rook.

Why not?
Could he reproach her with raising false hope, if she accepted his services, under circumstances of doubt and difficulty which he had himself been the first to point out?
He could do nothing of the sort.

Without waiting until he had recovered himself, she answered him (to all appearances) as composedly as if he had spoken to her in the plainest terms.
"After all that you have told me," she said, "I shall indeed feel obliged if you will be present when I see Mrs.Rook." The eager brightening of his eyes, the flush of happiness that made him look young on a sudden, were signs not to be mistaken.