I wish he would say definitely that he doesnt intend to come, instead of shilly-shallying from week to week.

Hallo, Prentice, have the ladies returned yet ?" This was addressed to the keeper of the gate-lodge, at which they had now arrived.

He replied that the ladies were still absent.
"Then," said Lord Carbury, "we had better get down and stroll across the lawn.

Perhaps you are tired, though ?" "Not at all.

I should prefer it.