How we cite our quotes: (Volume.Book.Chapter.Line)
Quote #7
"He's to be told, please, deceptively, that I'm at home, and, you, as my representative, when he comes up, are to see him instead." (1.5.6.25)
Milly has already deceived her friend Susan and the overbearing Maud Lowder, but she takes it up a notch when she asks Susan to lie for her to Sir Luke Strett. Rather than stay in her house while Susan hears the news about her health, Milly decides to take life into her own hands and visit an art gallery where no one will recognize her.
Quote #8
"It seems to me […] that it's in detail we deceive [Aunt Maud]." (2.6.2.11)
Merton knows that Aunt Maud is aware of all the time he spends with Kate. In this sense, he has been completely honest. But he also knows he has deceived Aunt Maud in not telling her that he and Kate are engaged. Merton isn't willing to tell outright lies, but he is willing to not tell the truth if he's not asked for it. He has what you'd call a passive attitude toward deception.
Quote #9
"Well, because [Sir Luke] doesn't regard it as a trick. He could understand your action. It's all right, you see." (2.7.2.5)
Sir Luke totally understands when he learns about Milly's newfound interest in deceiving people. He (more than anybody) sympathizes with her efforts to develop her independence before she dies.