Theodosia repeated more fully what she had overheard; in fact, as is often the case, her repetition was more full than the original. "Only five pounds for you, Felix; it is all I have. I would do anything if only I could make it £20."
"Strange that she should have named that sum. A mere coincidence."
"A coincidence that she happened on the same day to have a chance of securing the £20."
"I do not believe— Why should she not have asked me to help her brother."
"It would be very cool if she did, I think. There is no real tie: and these Andersons have no claim upon you."
"These Andersons!" The Doctor could have laughed, if he had been less unhappy. He loved Lettice as his own child.
"Are you absolutely sure that nobody except Lettice was in the room for a moment alone?"
Theodosia wished now that she had not left Felix alone there. She did not desire to divert suspicion from Lettice to Felix, though she had had that possibility in reserve. Moreover, she had managed thus far to avoid the more direct form of falsehood, though each step had been an acted lie; and there was a momentary hesitation before she answered in the negative.
Dr. Bryant noted the hesitation. "No one?" he asked sharply.
"Lettice would not have been, but that I took her brother into the conservatory for a few minutes." To herself, Theodosia added, "If it is found out, I can say that I forgot." Like all who leave the firm path of truth, she was getting deeper and deeper into the quicksands of falsehood.