So Crosbie went down to the Small House alone.
"Dale wouldn't come," said he, speaking to the three ladies together, "I suppose he's keeping himself up for the dance on the lawn." "I hope he will be here in the evening," said Mrs Dale.

But Bell said never a word.

She had determined, that under the existing circumstances, it would be only fair to her cousin that his offer and her answer to it should be kept secret.

She knew why Bernard did not come across from the Great House with his friend, but she said nothing of her knowledge.

Lily looked at her, but looked without speaking; and as for Mrs Dale, she took no notice of the circumstance.