Whom could she not persuade ?" added Mr.Hawkehurst within himself.
"Miss Halliday is out of town," Diana replied coldly.
The young man felt as if his heart were suddenly transformed into so much lead, so heavy did it seem to grow.

What a foolish thing it seemed that he should be the victim of this fair enslaver!--he who until lately had fancied himself incapable of any earnest feeling or deep emotion.
"Out of town!" he repeated with unconcealed disappointment.
"Yes; she has gone on a visit to some relations in Yorkshire.

She actually has relations; doesn't that sound strange to you and me ?" Valentine did not notice this rather cynical remark.
"She'll be away ever so long, I suppose ?" he said.
"I have no idea how long she may stay there.

The people idolise her, I understand.

You know it is her privilege to be idolised; and of course they will persuade her to stay as long as they can.