Her father, who had had other experiences, did not much like the idea of a Swancourt, whose pedigree could be as distinctly traced as a thread in a skein of silk, scampering over the hills like a farmer's daughter, even though he could habitually neglect her.

But what with his not being able to afford her a regular attendant, and his inveterate habit of letting anything be to save himself trouble, the circumstance grew customary.

And so there arose a chronic notion in the villagers' minds that all ladies rode without an attendant, like Miss Swancourt, except a few who were sometimes visiting at Lord Luxellian's.
'I don't like your going to Plymouth alone, particularly going to St.
Launce's on horseback.

Why not drive, and take the man ?' 'It is not nice to be so overlooked.' Worm's company would not seriously have interfered with her plans, but it was her humour to go without him.
'When do you want to go ?' said her father.
She only answered, 'Soon.' 'I will consider,' he said.
Only a few days elapsed before she asked again.

A letter had reached her from Stephen.