Ulick was glad to escape from Mrs. Hoffman, and when she was left alone that good lady commenced to sum up the situation to her own satisfaction.
"They are rivals, that's what it is," she said; "and this one is worth half-a-dozen Mr. Warrens. There's no telling what men will do where a pretty face is concerned. I know what it is myself, and to think I should have thrown myself away on such a fellow as Hoffman when I might have had anybody in those days. Mrs. Warren's in my charge, and she must be careful; but I like a little bit of romancing, and it strikes me I'm likely to get it in this situation."
Ulick had a serious talk with Janet.
"Is it because Warren Courtly is the man who took you away from home that you decline to return to your father's house?" he asked.
"Yes."
"I think you are right, now I know the facts. It will be better for me not to mention having seen you; it will only make Eli uneasy and anxious to know more."
She agreed with him, and promised to write to him if necessary.
"Were you quarrelling?" he added.
"We had some words, as usual, about money matters."
"He makes you an allowance still?"