If I could see them man and wife, I should not much care then how soon I left the old place to them." There was a purer touch of feeling in this than the squire had ever before shown in his sister-in-law's presence, and more heartiness than she had given him the credit of possessing.

And she could not but acknowledge to herself that her own child was included in this unexpected warmth of love, and that she was bound at any rate to entertain some gratitude for such kindness.
"It is good of you to think of her," said the mother; "very good." "I think a great deal about her," said the squire.

"But that does not much matter now.

The fact is, that she has declined Bernard's offer." "Has Bernard offered to her ?" "So he tells me; and she has refused him.

It may perhaps be natural that she should do so, never having taught herself to look at him in the light of a lover.