It would make a great change for Sophie if either of us married.

But then I know that it would give her pleasure, for I am sure that she would not be selfish." I was not so sure, but, of course, I did not say so.

At this moment, while Richard smoked and I walked silently beside him, a dark figure struck directly across the path before us.

The apparition was so sudden that I sprang and screamed, and caught Richard by the arm.
"I beg your pardon," said the tutor, with a quick look of surprise at me and then at Richard, and bowing, strode on into the house.
"That's the German Sophie has taken for the boys, is it ?" said Richard, knitting his brows, and looking after him, with no great approbation.

"I don't half like the idea of his being here: I told Sophie so at starting.