Mrs. Delane's fears had been confirmed by her daughter's reception of the raillery. She would have answered in the same tone, and accepted the challenge, if the banter had not hit the mark.
"It's a pity," said Mrs. Delane, "to encourage her to think so much about this young Bannister."
"Eh?" said the Squire, looking up from his plate.
"She thinks quite enough about him already, and hears enough, too."
"Well, I suppose he's something out of the common run, in Denshire at all events, and so he interests her."
"She'll have nothing to say to Gerard Ripley."
"What? Has he asked her?"
"No; but I found out from her. He's quite indifferent to her."
"I'm sorry for that, but there's time yet. I don't give up hope."