He ought to know; he's been a bachelor long enough, and he's tried enough of them! He says he isn't at all comfortable where he is," she added, as it were aside to Caroline.

"It's some people who used to let lodgings to theatre people at Hanbridge." "Oh! _Them_!" cried Caroline.
The talk meandered into a maze of reminiscences, and Hilda had to realize her youthfulness and the very inferior range of her experience: Sarah and Caroline recalled to each other dozens of persons and events, opening up historical vistas in a manner that filled the young girl with envious respect, in spite of herself.
"Do you remember Hanbridge Theatre being built, Sarah ?" questioned Caroline.

"My grandfather--Hilda's great-grandfather--tendered for it--not that he got the job--but he was very old." "Did he now?
No, I don't.

But I dare say I was in London then." "I dare say that would be it." "Yes," said Sarah, turning to Hilda once more, "that's just what Mr.
Cannon says.

He says it isn't as if I didn't know what London is....