Hester would not be told, of course;--at any rate, not at once.

But the first steps had been taken, and it must be for him now so to press the matter that the ultimate decision should be made to rest in her hands as soon as possible.
'What did Mr.Bolton say to you ?' asked the squire.
'I did not see him.' 'And what did the young lady say ?' 'I did not see her.' 'Or the mamma ?' 'I did see her, and told her my project.' 'I should think she would be startled ?' 'She was not very propitious, sir; but that was not to be expected.' 'She is a poor melancholy half-crazed creature, I take it,' said the squire; 'at least, that is what I hear.

The girl, I should think, would be glad to get away from such a home.

But I am afraid you will find a good many obstacles.' After that nothing more was said about the matter at Folking for some days.
But there was a great deal said upon the matter both in Cambridge and at Chesterton.

Robert Bolton found his father at the bank on the same afternoon, and performed his promise.