Returning from the church to the village, Miss Dover lagged behind, and then Severne infused into his voice those tender tones, which give amorous significance to the poorest prose.
“What an Arcadia!” said he.
“You would not like to be banished to it,” said Zoe, demurely.
“That depends,” said he, significantly. Instead of meeting him half way and demanding an explanation, Zoe turned coy and fell to wondering what Fanny was about.
“Oh, don't compel her to join us,” said Severne. “She is meditating.”
“On what? She is not much given that way.”
“On her past sins; and preparing new ones.”
“For shame! She is no worse than we are. Do you really admire Islip?”
“Indeed I do, if this is Islip?”
“It is then; and this cottage with the cluster-rose tree all over the walls is Marks's cottage. We are rather proud of Marks's cottage,” said she, timidly.