Ashby had to say something, and so, as was natural, he took refuge in conventionalities.
"I hope," said he, "that no ill effects have arisen from this recent excitement."
"Oh no," said Katie, in an abstracted tone. She was trying to listen to Talbot's words. They did not sound pleasant.
Ashby also was trying to listen to Dolores. She seemed to him to be altogether too familiar.
"I'm very glad," said Ashby. "I was afraid that this excitement might have an injurious effect."
(Dolores was still giving an account of herself. It was unworthy of her!)
"Oh no," said Katie, "not at all."
She heard Harry speak in an apologetic manner. It was very hard to bear. Would he leave her for this lady?
There was now a pause.
Ashby and Katie were both listening with all their might to hear what was said by Dolores and by Harry respectively.