He laughed the charge to scorn.

No! but he confessed her comradeship, her friendship, had begun to mean a good deal to him.

For twenty years he had lived in loneliness.
Now, it seemed, he had found a friend, in these days when the new independence of women opens a thousand fresh possibilities not only to them, but to men also.
Well, well, it was all over! Better make up his mind to it.
He went to the window, as it was nearing ten o'clock, and looked out.

It was foggy still, the moon and stars scarcely visible.

He hoped they would have at least the sense at the Rectory to provide her with a lantern, for under the trees the road was very dark.
Oh, far in the distance, a twinkling light! Good! The Squire hastily shut the window, and resumed his pacing.