"They're to be married next month, they say.

Well, it's a handsome couple they'll make! And the two properties together'll make a fine estate!" "I hope she'll learn to like the books he does," said Mary.

"I never could get her to listen to anything for more than three minutes." Though Joseph generally dropped work long before Mary shut the shop, she yet not unfrequently contrived to meet him on his way home; and Joseph always kept looking out for her as he walked.
That very evening they were gradually nearing each other--the one from the smithy, the other from the shop--with another pair between them, however, going toward Testbridge--Godfrey Wardour and Hesper Redmain.
"How strange," said Hesper, "that after all its chances and breakings, old Thornwick should be joined up again at last!" Partly by a death in the family, partly through the securities her husband had taken on the property, partly by the will of her father, the whole of Durnmelling now belonged to Hesper.
"It is strange," answered Godfrey, with an involuntary sigh.
Hesper turned and looked at him.
It was not merely sadness she saw on his face.

There was something there almost like humility, though Hesper was not able to read it as such.

He lifted his head, and did not avoid her gaze.
"You are wondering, Hesper," he said, "that I do not respond with more pleasure.