Warmed by this preliminary, she ventured into the delicate subject, and told him the substance of what we have told the reader, only in a far more timid and suggestive way, and implored him to advise her by return of post if possible--or why not come home?
Papa had said only yesterday, "I wish Hope was here." She got an answer by return of post.

It disappointed her, on the whole.

Mr.Hope realized the whole situation, though she had sketched it faintly instead of painting it boldly.

He was all sympathy, and he saw at once that he could not himself imagine a better match for her than Walter Clifford.
But then he observed that Mr.Bartley himself offered no personal objection, but wished the matter to be in abeyance until she was older, and Colonel Clifford's objection to the connection should be removed or softened.

That might really be hoped for should Miss Clifford marry Mr.
Fitzroy; and really in the mean time he (Hope) could hardly take on him to encourage her in impatience and disobedience.