Mrs.Rossall raised her eyebrows resignedly, and returned the letter in silence.
'What one expected, I suppose ?' said Mr.Athel.
'I suppose so.

Mr.Baxendale probably thinks the man has been applying for a position in your pantry.' 'Well, I was obliged, you know, to hint at my reasons for seeking information.' 'You did?
Then Beatrice knows all about it by this time.

As well that way as any other, I suppose.' 'We shall have to take the matter like reasonable beings, Edith,' said her brother, a trifle annoyed by her failure to countenance him.
'Yes; but you seem anxious that I should rejoice.

That would not be very reasonable.' Something warned Mr.Athel that he had better abstain from rejoinder.

He pursed his lips and walked away.
Wilfrid had not spoken of the subject to his aunt since the disclosure at The Firs, and Mrs.Rossall was offended by his silence at least as much as by the prospect of his marrying Miss Hood.