"I've done nothing except—of course I cared—because of—because I did."
Why couldn't she say straight out because you are going to marry her, but she couldn't.
"That is the secret, I suppose that caring doesn't always answer—anyhow, Toney, I hope by the time I come back the Stone House will be built."
"Oh! it will take a year, a long year," sighed Toney. Everything looked grey and dull.
"Yes, I shall be away as long as that, and when I return there will be changes I expect. Most likely you will be——"
"Oh, I shan't go and kill anything," interrupted Toney laughing, and determined she would be natural. "Of course Maud and your aunt and Mrs. Hamilton will be very dull without you—and there are your poor people."
"Honour bright, Toney, I have thought of them. Selby has carte blanche to do anything he can. But there are some farms unlet, and the estate is not improving."
"When you have shot enough lions you will come back?"
"I must—of course—— Now, good-bye, I mustn't stay here talking."
"Only two days and three-quarters more. How strange! I wish we lived in the Middle Ages, and you were going to the Holy Land to shoot the Turks," said Toney thoughtfully.