It was a natural feminine method of readjusting the balance between them.

He would certainly give her the opportunity.

He owed it to her.

Besides, the refusal would not be final.

He knew from her relations that she still loved him.
"If your feeling towards me is unchanged will you marry me ?" The door opened, and the footman announced "Mr.Thomson." The new curate came slowly into the room, his short-sighted eyes peering about him, a little faggot of papers girdled by an elastic band, clasped in his careful hand against his breast.
Magdalen started violently, and Lord Lossiemouth experienced a furious exasperation.
Magdalen mechanically introduced the two men to each other, and they all three sat down, with the same sudden automatic precision as when Bessie had been present.
"The days are beginning to lengthen already," said Mr.Thomson.