Then all went merry, not quite as a marriage bell; but still merry enough for a party of three gentlemen.
But Crosbie's resolution was fixed; and as soon, therefore, as the old butler was permanently gone, and the wine steadily in transit upon the table, he began his task, not without some apparent abruptness.

Having fully considered the matter, he had determined that he would not wait for Bernard Dale's absence.

He thought it possible that he might be able to fight his battle better in Bernard's presence than he should do behind his back.
"Squire," he began.

They all called him squire when they were on good terms together, and Crosbie thought it well to begin as though there was nothing amiss between them.

"Squire, of course I am thinking a good deal at the present moment as to my intended marriage." "That's natural enough," said the squire.
"Yes, by George! sir, a man doesn't make a change like that without finding that he has got something to think of." "I suppose not," said the squire.