It was not a simple formal invitation, but was so urgent that the young man could not refuse.

He returned word through the servant that he accepted with pleasure the invitation and would be soon there.
Can the youth be censured, if, with a fluttering heart, he took extra pains with his personal appearance before leaving the good farmer's home that evening?
When at last he stepped forth, in full dress, swinging his light cane, you would have had to hunt a long way to find a handsomer fellow than he.
And yet, with all his delightful anticipation, was mingled a feeling of dread.

He disliked meeting Catherwood, for between them a great gulf yawned and something unpleasant was certain to occur.

Jennie had witnessed his insulting offer of a reward to him for what he had done, and must have appreciated the style in which it was repulsed.

She would show her feelings most decisively before the evening was over.
Besides that, he dreaded hearing the family renew their expressions of thankfulness.