You wouldn't mind leaving us for a little while, would you ?" Whereupon Bell collected up her work and went upstairs to her sister.

"Uncle Christopher is below with mamma," said she, "talking about business.

I suppose it is something to do with your marriage." But Bell was wrong.

The squire's visit had no reference to Lily's marriage.
Mrs Dale did not move or speak a word when Bell was gone, though it was evident that the squire paused in order that she might ask some question of him.

"Mary," said he, at last, "I'll tell you what it is that I have come to say to you." Whereupon she put the piece of needlework which was in her hands down upon the work-basket before her, and settled herself to listen to him.
"I wish to speak to you about Bell." "About Bell ?" said Mrs Dale, as though much surprised that he should have anything to say to her respecting her eldest daughter.
"Yes, about Bell.