About three o'clock
a Gladstonian -- it was sorrowfully admitted -RRB- , actually throwing a stone at an enemy who was engaged in single fight , with the result that he had cut open the head of one of his own friends -- a most serious wound . An under-master -LRB- never a favourite , and now loathed by the young Liversedges as a declared Tory -RRB- had interposed in the unfairest way -- what else could be expected of him ? To all this Mrs. Liversedge gave ear not without pride , but as soon as possible she drew Lilian apart into a quiet room , and did her best to soothe the feverishness which was constantly declaring itself . About three o'clock Mrs. Wade called . She had not expected to find Lilian here . There was a moment 's embarrassment on both sides . When they sat down to talk , the widow 's eyes flitted now and then over Lilian 's face , but she addressed herself almost exclusively to Mrs. Liversedge , and her visit lasted only a quarter of an hour .