They had repeatedly met since Frank's return from Cambridge, both in the village and in the doctor's house; but not a word had been said between them about Mary beyond what the merest courtesy had required.
Not that each did not love the other sufficiently to make a full confidence between them desirable to both; but neither had had the courage to speak out.
Nor had either of them the courage to do so now.

"Yes," said Frank, blushing, "I am going to Lady Scatcherd's.

Shall I find the ladies at home ?" "Yes; Lady Scatcherd is there; but Sir Louis is there also--an invalid: perhaps you would not wish to meet him." "Oh! I don't mind," said Frank, trying to laugh; "he won't bite, I suppose ?" The doctor longed in his heart to pray to Frank to return with him; not to go and make further mischief; not to do that which might cause a more bitter estrangement between himself and the squire.

But he had not the courage to do it.

He could not bring himself to accuse Frank of being in love with his niece.