But I mustn't talk about these things.

I mentioned Mr Null to you because you are the only person of my acquaintance who, I suppose, is likely to meet with him.

In regard to that little company I spoke of to you, I have not quite made up my mind about it, and, therefore, haven't mentioned it; but if I carry out the plan I will write to you at the Springs, and shall certainly expect you to be one of us." "That would give me great pleasure," said Lawrence, in a tone which indicated to the quick brain of the old lady that he would like to make a condition, but was too polite to do so.
"If Miss March should agree to come," she said, "it might be pleasant for you to make one of her party and ride over at the same time.
However, I'll let you know if she is coming, and then you can join her or not, as suits your convenience." "Thank you very much," said Lawrence, in a tone which betrayed no reserves.
As he rode away that afternoon, Lawrence Croft, as his habit was on such occasions, revolved in his mind what he had heard and said and done during this little visit to the Keswick family.

"Nothing could have turned out better," he thought.

"To be sure the young man could not or would not be of any assistance to me, which is probably what I ought to have expected, but the strong-tempered old lady, his aunt, promises to be of tenfold more service than he could possibly be.