She gave me a kiss on the top of my bald head, and whispered, "News for you, father! Miss Rachel has refused him." "Who's 'HIM' ?" I asked.
"The ladies' committee-man, father," says Penelope.

"A nasty sly fellow! I hate him for trying to supplant Mr.Franklin!" If I had had breath enough, I should certainly have protested against this indecent way of speaking of an eminent philanthropic character.
But my daughter happened to be improving the tie of my cravat at that moment, and the whole strength of her feelings found its way into her fingers.

I never was more nearly strangled in my life.
"I saw him take her away alone into the rose-garden," says Penelope.
"And I waited behind the holly to see how they came back.

They had gone out arm-in-arm, both laughing.

They came back, walking separate, as grave as grave could be, and looking straight away from each other in a manner which there was no mistaking.