For instance," continued Mr.Alwynn, making a rush as his courage began to fail him, "it struck me, Ruth, the other day--Sunday, was it?
Yes, I think it _was_ Sunday--that really he had not much to ask me about his week-day services.

I--ahem! I thought he need not have called." "I dare say not." "But now, that is just the kind of thing he _does_--calls, and, er--under chestnut-trees, and that sort of thing--and how _are_ young people to know unless their elders tell them that it is only his way, and that he has done just the same ever so often before ?" "And will again," said Ruth, trying to keep down a smile.

"Is it true (Mabel is full of it) that he is engaged, or on the point of being so, to one of Lord Hope-Acton's daughters ?" "People are always saying he is engaged, to first one person and then another," said Mr.Alwynn, breathing more freely now that his duty was discharged.

"It often grieves me that your aunt mentions his engagement so confidently to friends, because it gives people the impression that we know, and we really don't.

He is a great deal talked about, because he is such a conspicuous man in the county, on account of his wealth and his place, and the odd things he says and does.