But if for a moment such a thought did cross his mind, it did not dwell there.

He trusted Belton; but as to his daughter, he knew that he might be sure of her.

It would be impossible with her to keep such a secret from him, even for half a day.

And yet, how odd it was! Here was a man who in three days had fallen in love with his daughter; and here was his daughter apparently quite as ready to be in love with the man.

How could she, who was ordinarily circumspect, and almost cold in her demeanour towards strangers--who was from circumstances and from her own disposition altogether hostile to flirting intimacies--how could his Clara have changed her nature so speedily?
The squire did not understand it, but was prepared to believe that it was all for the best.