She knew all about them; they were in the air; their condition was deplorable! Could a person whose condition was deplorable find time or strength for any sort of lurid exhibition such as this?
It was incredible.
She became aware that Hilary was speaking.
"I daresay the man is dangerous!" Hearing her fears confirmed, and in accordance with the secret vein of hardness which kept her living, amid all her sympathies and hesitations, Cecilia felt suddenly that she had gone as far as it was in her to go.
"I shall have no more to do with them," she said; "I've tried my best for Mrs.Hughs.I know quite as good a needlewoman, who'll be only too glad to come instead.

Any other girl will do as well to copy father's book.

If you take my advice, Hilary, you'll give up trying to help them too." Hilary's smile puzzled and annoyed her.

If she had known, this was the smile that stood between him and her sister.
"You may be right," he said, and shrugged his shoulders: "Very well," said Cecilia, "I've done all I can.

I must go now.
Good-bye." During her progress to the door she gave one look behind.