She was conscious, moreover, that without her false "front" she must be looking a fright.

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In short, the wretched woman rushed into speech because for the moment anything was more tolerable than silence.
"I thank you, ma'am." Neither voice nor look betrayed that Brother Copas had overheard or perceived anything amiss.
Mrs.Clerihew, baffled, began desperately to curry favour.
"And you've brought Brother Bonaday's pretty child, I see.