"Always coming when he is not wanted," exclaimed Anne crossly. "I shall not say a word to him; or if I do, I will be abominably rude."
Quite unconscious of what was awaiting him Mr. Hall advanced, and said good humouredly,
"I have been thinking Miss Anne, where we shall go to-morrow for the walk you have so kindly threatened me with."
"It will most likely pour in torrents," replied she.
"I do not anticipate it, the glass is rising, so there is every prospect of our walk coming off; and if I might be allowed to choose, I know of a very lovely one, even in winter time."
"That is impossible," said she sharply, "everything looks cold and bleak."
"Not while the snow remains in the branches of the trees; even then the Oak Glen can never look ugly; the large rocks prevent that."
"The Oak Glen! Oh, pray do not trouble yourself to take me there; I will lead you blind-fold." That will settle him, thought she.
But no, Mr. Hall was not to be defeated in that style, and went on again quite unconcernedly.
"You have sketched it, perhaps. It would make a lovely painting."