"I know you'll be fair and not let anything influence your judgment," she said.
He promised, but with secret uneasiness, for already it seemed that his judgment was being influenced. For that reason he had postponed a final decision until the following day. Mrs. Northover departed with grateful thanks and left behind her, though she guessed it not, problems far more tremendous than any she had brought.
Meantime Raymond and Sabina, on their way to Miss Ironsyde, were met by Mr. Neddy Motyer. Neddy had not seen his friend for some time and now saluted and stopped. It was nearly dark and they stood under a lamp-post.
"Cheero!" said Mr. Motyer. "Haven't cast an eye on you for a month of
Sundays, Ironsyde."
Raymond introduced Sabina and Neddy was gallant and reminded her they had met before at the Mill. Then, desiring a little masculine society, Sabina's betrothed proposed that she should go on and report that he was coming.
"Aunt Jenny will expect us to stop for dinner, so there's no hurry. I'll be up in half an hour."
She left them and Neddy suggested drinking.
"You might as well be dead and buried for all the boys see of you nowadays," he said, as they entered 'The Bull' Hotel.
"I'm busy."
"I know, but I hope you'll have a big night off before the deed is done and you take leave of freedom—what?"