I'll see what I can do to-night.' In the home of the Tews there was some difficulty in securing privacy.
The house was a small one, and the sacrifice of general convenience when Letty wanted a whole room for herself and Alfred was considerable.
To-night it was managed, however; the front parlour was granted to the pair for one hour.
It could not be said that there was much delicacy in Alfred's way of approaching the subject he wished to speak of.

This young man had a scorn of periphrases.

If a topic had to be handled, why not be succinct in the handling?
Alfred was of opinion that much time was lost by mortals in windy talk.
'Look here, Letty; what's your idea about Adela marrying Mutimer ?' The girl looked startled.
'She has not accepted him ?' 'Not yet.

Don't you think it would be a good thing if she did ?' 'I really can't say,' Letty replied very gravely, her head aside.

'I don't think any one can judge but Adela herself.