But she realized, too, her own impotence.

She could not drive him too hard or he might be driven into marrying Imogene.

And THAT Hannah was determined should be deferred as long as possible.
So she said no more concerning the "ride" and merely showed her feelings by moping in the corner and wiping her eyes with her handkerchief whenever he looked in her direction.

After he had gone she spent the half-hour previous to Mr.Hammond's arrival in alternate fits of rage and despair.
"So Kenelm's been actin' unlikely, has he ?" queried Caleb.

"Well, if he was my brother he'd soon come to time quick, or be put to bed in a hospital.