If she had made one or two observations from a distance, with respect to the young lady, she withheld them.

And like the discerning mother that she was, at the very first opportunity she proposed a call at Beechcote.
On their way thither, this February afternoon, they talked in a desultory way about some new War-Office reforms, which, as usual, the entire Army believed to be merely intended--wilfully and deliberately--for its destruction; about a recent gambling scandal in the regiment, or the peculiarities of Hugh's commanding officer.
Meanwhile he held his peace on the subject of some letters he had received that morning.

There was to be an expedition in Nigeria.
Officers were wanted; and he had volunteered.

The result of his application was not yet known.

He had no intention whatever of upsetting his parents till it was known.
"I wonder how Miss Mallory liked Tallyn," said Mrs.Roughsedge, briskly.
She had already expressed the same wonder once or twice.