Here's Lily going to be married, and it will be well that Bell should be married too." "I don't see that at all," said Mrs Dale.

"I am by no means in a hurry to be rid of her." "No, I dare say not.

But, of course, you only regard her welfare, and I can truly say that I do the same.

There would be no necessity for hurry as to a marriage for her under ordinary circumstances, but there may be circumstances to make such a thing desirable, and I think that there are." It was evident from the squire's tone and manner that he was very much in earnest; but it was also evident that he found some difficulty in opening out the budget with which he had prepared himself.

He hesitated a little in his voice, and seemed to be almost nervous.