The Squire was gazing at her.

His expression was extraordinarily animated.

It seemed to her that words were already on his lips, and that at all costs she must stop them there.
But fortune favoured her.

There was a knock at the library door.

The Squire irritably said, 'Come in!' and Forest announced, 'Captain Dell.' The Squire, with some muttered remark, walked across to his own table.
The agent entered with a beaming countenance.