And now she felt sure he would propose that very day.
She made no movement whatever either to advance or to avoid the declaration.
It is five miles from Raby Hall, through Cairnhope village, to the eastern foot of Cairnhope; and while George rattles them over the hard and frosty road, I will tell the reader something about this young gentleman, who holds the winning cards.
Mr.Frederick Coventry was a man of the world.

He began life with a good estate, and a large fund accumulated during his minority.
He spent all the money in learning the world at home and abroad; and, when it was all gone, he opened one eye.
But, as a man cannot see very clear with a single orb, he exchanged rouge-et-noir, etc., for the share-market, and, in other respects, lived as fast as ever, till he had mortgaged his estate rather heavily.

Then he began to open both eyes.
Next, he fell in love with Grace Carden; and upon that he opened both eyes very wide, and wished very much he had his time to live over again.
Nevertheless, he was not much to be pitied.

He had still an estate which, with due care, could pay off its incumbrances; and he had gathered some valuable knowledge.

He knew women better than most men, and he knew whist profoundly.