On the Friday morning there was a little conversation between the two sisters, just before Georgiana’s departure to the railway station, which was almost touching.  She had endeavoured to hold up her head as usual, but had failed.  The thing that she was going to do cowed her even in the presence of her sister.  ’Sophy, I do so envy you staying here.’

‘But it was you who were so determined to be in London.’

’Yes; I was determined, and am determined.  I’ve got to get myself settled somehow, and that can’t be done down here.  But you are not going to disgrace yourself.’

‘There’s no disgrace in it, Georgey.’

’Yes, there is.  I believe the man to be a swindler and a thief; and...