"It is not what has happened, but what is about to happen

'She is next to Arthur, on this side the table where you cannot see her.'

'Oh!' said Violet, and paused, 'she is the greatest friend I have in the world!'

He looked surprised, laughed, and said, 'So I must ask no more questions.'

Violet felt as if she had spoken presumptuously, and said, 'Lady Elizabeth has been so very kind to me. Emma is my baby's godmother.'

'Ay! he spoke as if it was very near his heart.'

'He has been--O, so very--I believe he is very fond of baby,' hastily concluded Violet, as her first sentence stuck in her throat.

'I am heartily glad he has something to take interest in. He looks better and less frail. Is he so, do you think?'

'O yes, much better. He hardly ever coughs--'