An absence of two or three hours would cast the necessary dust in Arnold's eyes; for it would be certainly interpreted by him as meaning absence at an interview with Anne.
He strolled idly through the grounds, farther and farther away from the house.
The talk in the library--aimless and empty enough, for the most part--was talk to the purpose, in one corner of the room, in which Sir Patrick and Blanche were sitting together.
"Uncle! I have been watching you for the last minute or two." "At my age, Blanche?
that is paying me a very pretty compliment." "Do you know what I have seen ?" "You have seen an old gentleman in want of his lunch." "I have seen an old gentleman with something on his mind.

What is it ?" "Suppressed gout, my dear." "That won't do! I am not to be put off in that way.

Uncle! I want to know--" "Stop there, Blanche! A young lady who says she 'wants to know,' expresses very dangerous sentiments.

Eve 'wanted to know'-- and see what it led to.

Faust 'wanted to know'-- and got into bad company, as the necessary result." "You are feeling anxious about something," persisted Blanche.