Now I come to think about it, she was off somewhere all the afternoon, and it looks as if she had promised the fellow the evening." He indicated the canoe and was satisfied when Mrs.Cartwright agreed, since he refused to wear spectacles and own his sight was going.
Although Clara was generous, he could not use her money, and, indeed, did not mean to do so, but he was extravagant and his managing owner's post was not secure.

When one had powerful antagonists, one did not admit that one was getting old.
"I doubt if Shillito's character is all one could wish,'" Mrs.
Cartwright resumed.

"Character's very important, don't you think?
Mrs.
Grant--the woman with the big hat--knows something about him and she said he was _fierce_.

I think she meant he was wild.

Then she hinted he spent money he ought not to spend.