"At sixty-five--if he's a day!" A stranger would have imagined that this lady had quite decided not to call upon the newcomer herself; even Mrs.Woodgate was uncertain of her neighbor's intention as the latter's wheels ground the Vicarage drive once more, and she and her husband were left alone.
"It will depend upon the county," said she; "and Mrs.Venables is not the county pure and simple, she's half Northborough still, and she'll take her cue from the Invernesses and the Uniackes.

But I do believe she's been round the whole country-side, getting people to say they won't call; as if it mattered to a man like Mr.Steel, or any woman he is likely to have chosen.

Still, it is mysterious, isn't it?
But what business of ours, as you say?
Only, dear, you needn't have said it quite so pointedly.

Of course I'll call as soon as I can in decency; she may let me be of use to her.

Oh, bother Mrs.Venables! If she doesn't call, no doubt many others won't; you must remember that he has never entertained as yet.