He told me that he wished his sister to marry a gentleman; that he had been to the Wood House and seen my sisters, and he was quite willing to give his sanction to the engagement; and as Leah and I understood each other perfectly, I had no difficulty with her.

Why don't you congratulate me, Herrick," exclaimed the lad excitedly, "instead of badgering and cross-examining me like an Old Bailey witness?
I am the happiest fellow in existence! Leah's a darling--there is not such a woman in the world!" "Is there not ?" returned Malcolm quietly.

His face looked a little haggard as he spoke, and there was a wistful, pining look in his eyes.
Oh, why was the boy so like Elizabeth?
There was no real similarity--it was only a trick of expression, a turn of the head, a sudden impulsive movement that recalled her.

"May I ask one more question, old fellow?
Is it by your own or Mr.Jacobi's wish that the engagement is kept a secret ?" But Cedric refused to answer this.

He said with a good deal of dignity that there were limits to everything.