‘But I have heard you speak with no little admiration of the Hall: some parts of it are older than my sentry-box.’
‘I can’t say I admire it at all as a place to live in,’ she answered curtly.
‘But I was not asking you to live in mine,’ I said—foolishly arguing.
She looked annoyed, whether with herself or me I could not tell, but instantly answered,
‘Some day—when I can without—But I must go and make myself tidy, or Miss Brotherton will be fancying I have been talking to you!’
‘And what have you been doing, then?’
‘Only asking you to come to lunch.’
‘Will you tell her that?’
‘Yes—if she says anything.’
‘Then you had better make haste, and be asked no questions.’