He was annoyed at perceiving that Edith would justify his prediction.
'I am sorry to hear it, of course,' were her first words, 'but I suppose Wilfrid will act as he chooses.' 'Well, but this isn't all,' pursued Mr.Athel, laying aside an affectation of half-humorous indulgence which he had assumed.

'He has urged upon me an extraordinary proposal.

His idea is that Miss Hood might continue to hold her position here until he has taken his degree.' 'I am not surprised.

You of course told him that such a thing was out of the question ?' 'I said that _you_ would probably consider it so.' 'But surely--Do you hold a different view ?' 'Really, I hold no views at all.

I am not sure that I have got the right focus yet.