I don't mind that sort of marriage a bit!' The listeners were both regarding her--Miss Barfoot with an affectionate smile, Everard with a puzzled, searching look, ending in amusement.
'I must run down into that country some day,' said the latter.
He did not stay much longer, but left only because he feared to burden the ladies with too much of his company.
Again a week passed, and the same evening found Barfoot approaching the house in Queen's Road.

To his great annoyance he learnt that Miss Barfoot was not at home; she had dined, but afterwards had gone out.

He did not venture to ask for Miss Nunn, and was moving disappointedly away, when Rhoda herself, returning from a walk, came up to the door.
She offered her hand gravely, but with friendliness.
'Miss Barfoot, I am sorry to say, has gone to visit one of our girls who is ill.

But I think she will very soon be back.

Will you come in ?' 'Gladly.