Nora would scold her; but Nora's scolding she thought she could answer.

And then it was not the fact that Colonel Osborne was coming down to Devonshire to see her.

He was coming as far as Lessboro' to see his friend at Cockchaffington.

And when at Lessboro', was it likely that he should leave the neighbourhood without seeing the daughter of his old ally?
And why should he do so?
Was he to be unnatural in his conduct, uncivil and unfriendly, because Mr.Trevelyan had been foolish, suspicious, and insane?
So arguing with herself, she answered Colonel Osborne's letter before she had spoken on the subject to any one in the house,--and this was her answer:-- MY DEAR COLONEL OSBORNE, I must leave it to your own judgment to decide whether you will come to Nuncombe Putney or not.

There are reasons which would seem to make it expedient that you should stay away,--even though circumstances are bringing you into the immediate neighbourhood.