"Well, I will, if it will please you."
"Nonsense, Mr. Bannister! There's no question of pleasing me: it doesn't matter—well, I mean, then, the great thing is to do justice to yourself."
"I ought to have some encouragement in well-doing," said Dale plaintively.
She shook her head with a smile, and he went on:
"I wish you'd come to Littlehill and see the house. I've improved it tremendously."
"Oh, you must invite mamma."
"Would Mrs. Delane come?"
This question was a little awkward, for Mrs. Delane, after cross-examining Tora Smith closely as to Mrs. Hodge and her daughter, had announced that she would not go.
"A bachelor doesn't entertain ladies, does he?"