But her mother rose from her chair somewhat formally, as if she did not intend to sit down again while he stayed, yet was too weak to be kept in that standing attitude long.
'I'm afeared, sir, Sylvie hasn't told yo' that my master's out, and not like to be in till late.

He'll be main and sorry to have missed yo'.' There was nothing for it after this but to go.

His only comfort was that on Sylvia's rosy face he could read unmistakable signs of regret and dismay.

His sailor's life, in bringing him suddenly face to face with unexpected events, had given him something of that self-possession which we consider the attribute of a gentleman; and with an apparent calmness which almost disappointed Sylvia, who construed it into a symptom of indifference as to whether he went or stayed, he bade her mother good-night, and only said, in holding her hand a minute longer than was absolutely necessary,-- 'I'm coming back ere I sail; and then, may-be, you'll answer yon question.' He spoke low, and her mother was rearranging herself in her chair, else Sylvia would have had to repeat the previous words.

As it was, with soft thrilling ideas ringing through her, she could get her wheel, and sit down to her spinning by the fire; waiting for her mother to speak first, Sylvia dreamt her dreams.
Bell Robson was partly aware of the state of things, as far as it lay on the surface.