"I'm certainly keen, but so are dozens of others." He bowed to Miss Whalley with stiff courtesy.

"Pleased to meet you," he said formally.
Miss Whalley acknowledged the compliment with a severe air of incredulity.

She had never approved of Piers since a certain Sunday morning ten years before when she had caught him shooting at the choir-boys with a catapult, during the litany, over the top of the squire's large square pew.
She had reported the crime to the Vicar, and the Vicar had lodged a formal complaint with Sir Beverley, who had soundly caned the delinquent in his presence, and given him half a sovereign as soon as the clerical back had been turned for taking the punishment like a man.
But in Miss Whalley's eyes Piers had from that moment ceased to be regarded as one of the elect, and his curt reception of the good Vicar's patronage did not further elevate him in her esteem.

She made as brief a response to the introduction as politeness demanded, and crossed the room to Jeanie.
"I must be off," said Piers.

"I've stayed longer than I intended already." "Pray do not hurry!" urged Mr.Lorimer.