She could not say why the volume must be closed.
Her orders for the journey down to Steignton were prompt.

Mrs.Pagnell had an engagement at the house of Lady Staines for the next day to meet titles and celebrities, and it precluded her comprehension of the project.

She begged to have the journey postponed.

She had pledged her word, she said.
'To Mr.Morsfield ?' said Aminta.
Her aunt was astounded.
'I did tell him we should be there, my dear.' 'He appears to have a pleasure in meeting you.' 'He is one of the real gentlemen of the land.' 'You correspond with him ?' 'I may not be the only one.' 'Foolish aunty! How can you speak to me in that senseless way ?' cried Aminta.

'You know the schemer he is, and that I have no protection from his advances unless I run the risk of bloodshed.' 'My dear Aminta, whenever I go into society, and he is present, I know I shall not be laughed at, or fall into that pit of one of their dead silences, worse for me to bear than titters and faces.