So we could now.

Only when you came, you know--" Then she looked up into his face and smiled.
"When I came, I was the squire's friend and your cousin's rather than yours.

But that's all changed now." "Yes; you're my friend now,--mine specially.

I'm to be now and always your own special, dearest friend;--eh, Adolphus ?" And thus she exacted from him the repetition of the promise which he had so often given her.
By this time they had passed through the grounds of the Great House and were in the fields.

"Lily," said he, speaking rather suddenly, and making her feel by his manner that something of importance was to be said; "I want to say a few words to you about,--business." And he gave a little laugh as he spoke the last word, making her fully understand that he was not quite at his ease.
"Of course I'll listen.