CHAPTER XV.
"BETTY IS A TRUMP!" A character is like an acrostic or Alexandrian stanza: read it forward, backward, or across, it still spells the same thing....
We pass for what we are: character teaches above our wills.
-- EMERSON.
It had been Malcolm's intention to go back to town on the ensuing Monday, but on Dinah's pressing invitation he promised to remain another day.
"You know I am due at the Manor House on Thursday," he observed, as they sat at breakfast the next morning, "and I must have a couple of days in town first." "It is a very short visit," she returned regretfully, "and you are to dine at the vicarage to-morrow evening." "I could not get out of it," he replied quickly, but he glanced at Elizabeth as he spoke.

"Mr.Charrington never gave me the option of refusing.

He seemed to look on it as a foregone conclusion that his invitation would be accepted.

He was so very kind and cordial.

He wants me to see his library, and to show me some rare books he has got." "Oh yes, he is a collector of curious books and first editions.