That gentleman had eagerly come forward to speak to the young ladies: a thing he would hardly have ventured to do had their mother been present; he had likewise politely handed them into the carriage.

He had not attempted to shut me out, like Mr.Hatfield; neither, of course, had he offered me his assistance (I should not have accepted it, if he had), but as long as the door remained open he had stood smirking and chatting with them, and then lifted his hat and departed to his own abode: but I had scarcely noticed him all the time.

My companions, however, had been more observant; and, as we rolled along, they discussed between them not only his looks, words, and actions, but every feature of his face, and every article of his apparel.
'You shan't have him all to yourself, Rosalie,' said Miss Matilda at the close of this discussion; 'I like him: I know he'd make a nice, jolly companion for me.' 'Well, you're quite welcome to him, Matilda,' replied her sister, in a tone of affected indifference.
'And I'm sure,' continued the other, 'he admires me quite as much as he does you; doesn't he, Miss Grey ?' 'I don't know; I'm not acquainted with his sentiments.' 'Well, but he _does_ though.' 'My _dear_ Matilda! nobody will ever admire you till you get rid of your rough, awkward manners.' 'Oh, stuff! Harry Meltham likes such manners; and so do papa's friends.' 'Well, you _may_ captivate old men, and younger sons; but nobody else, I am sure, will ever take a fancy to you.' 'I don't care: I'm not always grabbing after money, like you and mamma.
If my husband is able to keep a few good horses and dogs, I shall be quite satisfied; and all the rest may go to the devil!' 'Well, if you use such shocking expressions, I'm sure no real gentleman will ever venture to come near you.

Really, Miss Grey, you should not let her do so.' 'I can't possibly prevent it, Miss Murray.' 'And you're quite mistaken, Matilda, in supposing that Harry Meltham admires you: I assure you he does nothing of the kind.' Matilda was beginning an angry reply; but, happily, our journey was now at an end; and the contention was cut short by the footman opening the carriage-door, and letting down the steps for our descent..