Mrs.Leithcourt, a slightly fussy little woman, apologized for his absence, explaining that he had been recalled to London suddenly a few days before, but was returning to Rannoch again at the end of the week.
"We couldn't afford to lose him," she declared to my aunt.

"He is so awfully humorous--his droll sayings and antics keep us in a perfect roar each night at dinner.

He's such a perfect mimic." I turned away and strolled with Muriel, pleading an excuse to show her my uncle's beautiful grounds, not a whit less picturesque than those of the castle, and perhaps rather better kept.
"I only heard yesterday of your engagement, Miss Leithcourt," I remarked presently when we were alone.

"Allow me to offer my best congratulations.

When you introduced me to Mr.Woodroffe the other day I had no idea that he was to be your husband." She glanced at me quickly, and I saw in her dark eyes a look of suspicion.