Very likely the latter, he thought, knowing Isabel as he did. ‘I am not much concerned at her possessing the remains of your ointment,’ he persevered. ‘To be sure, I had some hopes of going unrecognised at tomorrow’s ball, and there can be no chance of that now. But I feel sure she would have discovered me anyway, no matter what disguise I chose to adopt. Therefore, her improved sight cannot much inconvenience me.’ Isabel began to look relieved. ‘Consider further,’ he went on. ‘There is much good to be drawn from this. Firstly, we are given another clue as to her intentions. Mister Balligumph has previously posited that she may be seeking something, and this development appears to be in support of the idea. She wishes to be able to recognise someone that she expects to appear at her ball

