I have just been giving the necessary orders.

I shall take a servant with me, as well as my maid, for I am such an inexperienced traveller--though it seems absurd, at my age--that I am quite frightened of getting into the wrong trains.

I dread a journey by myself.

Even such a little journey as that.

But, of course, nothing would keep me at home." "Only one thing," said John, in a low voice, "if I have judged your character rightly in so short a time." "What is that ?" "Duty." She looked at him with sweet, puzzled eyes, like a child.
"Are you pleading Sir Timothy's cause, Cousin John ?" she said, with a little touch of offence in her tone that was only charming.
"I am pleading Sir Timothy's cause," said John, seriously.
"Love is stronger than duty, isn't it ?" said Lady Mary.
"I hope not," said John, very simply.
"You mean my husband doesn't wish me to go ?" "Don't think me too presuming," he said pleadingly.
"I couldn't," said Lady Mary, naively.