She was not less than ladylike in self-possession, but Mr.Wyvern's towering sableness clearly awed her a little.

For an instant her eyes drooped, but at once she raised them and met the severe gaze with unflinching orbs.

Releasing her hand, Mr.Wyvern performed a singular little ceremony: he laid his right palm very gently on her nutbrown hair, and his lips moved.

At the same time he all but smiled.
Alfred's face was a delightful study the while; it said so clearly, 'Confound the parson's impudence!' Mrs.Waltham, on the other hand, looked pleased as she rustled to her place at the tea-tray.
'So Mr.Eldon has come ?' she said, glancing at Adela.

'Alfred says he looks ill.' 'Mother,' interposed the young man, 'pray be accurate.