grave smooth outward sweep from one another of his two open hands at arm’s length; “at a distance—among certain of our people, where her industry would serve her, and where she could hope to exercise it, unassailed from any quarter.”
Fledgeby’s eyes had come from the fire to notice the action of his hands when he said “at a distance.” Fledgeby now tried (very unsuccessfully) to imitate that action, as he shook his head and said, “Placed her in that direction, did you? Oh you circular old dodger!”
With one hand across his breast and the other on the easy chair, Riah, without justifying himself, waited for further questioning. But, that it was hopeless to question him on that one reserved point, Fledgeby, with his small eyes too near together, saw full well.
“Lizzie,” said Fledgeby, looking at the fire again, and then looking up. “Humph, Lizzie. You didn’t tell me the other name in your garden atop of the house. I’ll be more communicative with you. The other name’s Hexam.”