'It is nearly eight,' said she.
'Eight o'clock, and neither dress nor man,' said Mrs.Hall.
'Mother, if you think to tantalize me by talking like that, you are much mistaken! Let him be as late as he will--or stay away altogether--I don't care,' said Sally.

But a tender, minute quaver in the negation showed that there was something forced in that statement.
Mrs.Hall perceived it, and drily observed that she was not so sure about Sally not caring.

'But perhaps you don't care so much as I do, after all,' she said.

'For I see what you don't, that it is a good and flourishing match for you; a very honourable offer in Mr.Darton.

And I think I see a kind husband in him.