“I wish you would make it when she is present,” said Hadria, “and see us both bow!” The Professor laughed delightedly.
“I don’t know what social treasures may be buried within your radius of five miles, but the mines need not be worked. An inhabitant of the Priory would not need them. Mrs. Temperley is a society in herself.”
“An inhabitant of the Priory might risk disappointment, in supposing that Mrs. Temperley had nothing else to do than to supply her neighbours with society.”
The big jaw closed, with a snap.
“I don’t think, on the whole, that I will take the Priory,” he said, after a considerable pause; “it is, as you say, large.”
Mrs. Temperley made no comment.
“I suppose I should be an unwelcome neighbour,” he said, with a sigh.
“I fear any polite assurance, after such a challenge, would be a poor compliment. As for entreating you to take the Priory, I really do not feel equal to the responsibility.”
“I accept in all humility,” said the Professor, as he opened the gate of the Red House, “a deserved reproof.”