They had a mutual friend, a raw-boned youth she had met at Cambridge.

He was engaged to McKean's sister.

His eyes lighted up when he spoke of his sister Jenny.

The Little Mother, he called her.
"She's the most beautiful body in all the world," he said.

"Though merely seeing her you mightn't know it." He saw her "home"; and went on up the stairs to his own floor.
Joan stood for a while in front of the glass before undressing; but felt less satisfied with herself.