He rather dislikes being questioned," said Lady Mary, describing Peter's prejudices as mildly as possible.
"I fancy Miss Sarah could tell you," said John, with twinkling eyes.
"I did not know--just a girl--could get a stranger, a boy like Peter, invited everywhere," said Lady Mary, innocently.
John laughed.

"Peter is a very eligible boy," he said, "and Sarah is not 'just a girl,' but a very clever young woman indeed; and Lady Tintern is a ball-giver.

But if he had been the most ordinary of youths, a bachelor's foothold on the dance-lists is the easiest thing in the world to obtain.

It means nothing in itself." "I think it meant a good deal to Peter," said his mother, with a sigh.
"If only I could think Sarah were in earnest." "I don't see why not," said John.
Then he came and took Lady Mary's hand, and led her to a seat next the fire.
"Come and sit down comfortably," he said, "and let us talk everything over.

It looks very miserable out-of-doors, and nothing could be more delightful than this room, and nobody to disturb us.