How happy would be her old age in that Small House, if Bell with her children were living so close to her! "Well ?" said the squire, who was looking very intently into her face.
"I was thinking," said Mrs Dale.

"Do you say that she has already refused him ?" "I am afraid she has; but then you know--" "It must of course be left for her to judge." "If you mean that she cannot be made to marry her cousin, of course we all know she can't." "I mean rather more than that." "What do you mean, then ?" "That the matter must be left altogether to her own decision; that no persuasion must be used by you or me.

If he can persuade her, indeed--" "Yes, exactly.

He must persuade her.

I quite agree with you that he should have liberty to plead his own cause.