"But, for that matter, any discourse, plainly delivered, will suit me." "His elocution's perfect," said the squire; "that is, before dinner." "I have only to do with him before dinner, you know." "Well, I've ordered a carriage out for you." "That is very honourable and kind." "It would be kinder if I contrived to keep you away from the fellow." "Would it not be kinder to yourself," Mrs.Lovell swam forward to him in all tenderness, taking his hands, and fixing the swimming blue of her soft eyes upon him pathetically, "if you took your paper and your slippers, and awaited our return ?" The squire felt the circulating smile about the room.

He rebuked the woman's audacity with a frown; "Tis my duty to set an example," he said, his gouty foot and irritable temper now meeting in a common fire.
"Since you are setting an example," rejoined the exquisite widow, "I have nothing more to say." The squire looked what he dared not speak.

A woman has half, a beauty has all, the world with her when she is self-contained, and holds her place; and it was evident that Mrs.Lovell was not one to abandon her advantages.
He snapped round for a victim, trying his wife first.

Then his eyes rested upon Algernon.
"Well, here we are; which of us will you take ?" he asked Mrs.Lovell in blank irony.
"I have engaged my cavalier, who is waiting, and will be as devout as possible." Mrs.Lovell gave Algernon a smile.
"I thought I hit upon the man," growled the squire.

"You're going in to Wrexby, sir! Oh, go, by all means, and I shan't be astonished at what comes of it.