"I knew it," she said. "You have frightened them, Mr. Bannister; they think you came in search of studious retirement."
"Oh, I hate both study and retirement, Mrs. Delane."
"Well, I shall tell people that—may I? Now, when I was at the Cransfords' yesterday,—he's our Lord Lieutenant, you know,—they were wondering whether they might call."
"I am delighted to see anyone."
"From the Mayor upward—or, I suppose, Hedger would think I ought to say downward. We heard what fun you made of the poor man."
"Mr. Bannister will be more respectful to the Lord Lieutenant," said Janet, smiling.
"I suppose I disapprove of Lord Lieutenants," remarked Dale, with a laugh.
"You'll like Lady Cransford very much, and she'll like you. She gives so many balls that a bachelor household is a godsend."
"Bannister hardly depends on that for a welcome, my dear," said the Squire from the hearthrug.