To listen to the boy one might have thought the Jacobis were much above the average of human beings--that there must be something idyllic, angelic, and altogether seraphic in their persons and dispositions; but Malcolm, who knew his man, discounted largely from this, and kept his amusement and incredulity to himself.
But the name of Jacobi palled on him at last, and he was counting the milestones between him and the Wood House rather anxiously, when they saw Mr.Carlyon standing on the curb with his straw hat very much tilted over his eyes.
No maiden lady of uncertain age loved her tea better than Malcolm.
Nevertheless, the curate's invitation did not please him.
As he got down from the dog-cart he thought regretfully of the cool, shady drawing-room at the Wood House, and the pretty tea-table with its silver urn and old-fashioned china.

Cedric was so thoughtless.

Of course his sisters would be expecting them.

Carlyon seemed a pleasant fellow, but he was not sure that he desired a closer acquaintance with him.

Malcolm was inclined to be a little distant, but neither of his companions seemed to notice it.