.

.
'Oh, my dear, my dear!' she moaned, 'be careful what you say.

Some one might hear you who would not understand, as I do, that you are talking theory.' Stephen's habit of thought stood to her here.

She saw that her aunt was distressed, and as she did not wish to pain her unduly, was willing to divert the immediate channel of her fear.

She took the hand which lay in her lap and held it firmly whilst she smiled in the loving old eyes.
'Of course, Auntie dear, it is theory.