He knew that behind her playful treatment of the subject there was real scepticism of himself.

It put him on his mettle, and yet he knew she read him deeper than any one else, and flattered him least.
He put out his hand, and took hers.
"You take large responsibilities," he said, "but I will try and justify you--honestly, yes." In her hearty way, she kissed him on the cheek.

"There," she responded, "if you and Delia do make up your minds, see that you treat her well.

And you are to come, just as soon as you are able, to stay at Peppingham.

Delia, silly child, is anxious, and can't see why she mustn't call with me now." In his room at the Court that night, Gaston inquired of Jacques about Alice Wingfield, and was told that on the day of the accident she had left with her grandfather for the Continent.