Besides," he added, hesitating a little, "I have a very shrewd notion that all this apparent indifference is only shyness on my little girl's part, and that she loves you." "You believe that!" cried Gilbert eagerly.
"It is only guesswork on my part, of course.

I am an old bachelor, you see, and have had very little experience as to the signs and tokens of the tender passion.

But I will sound my little girl by and by.

She will be more ready to confess the truth to her old uncle than she would to you, perhaps.

I think you have been a trifle hasty about this affair.
There is so much in time and custom." "It is only a cold kind of love that grows out of custom," Gilbert answered gloomily.