These were not the normal ways of a reasonable man.
When she looked up, the Squire had moved to a log close beside her.
The March sun was pouring down upon them, and there was a robin singing, quite undisturbed by their presence, in a holly-bush near.
The Squire's wilful countenance had never seemed to Elizabeth more full of an uncanny and even threatening energy.

Involuntarily she withdrew her seat.
'I wish to be allowed to make a very serious proposition to you,' he said eagerly, 'one that I have been considering for weeks.' Elizabeth--rather weakly--put up a protesting hand.
'I am afraid I must point out to you, Mr.Mannering, that Mrs.
Gaddesden will be waiting lunch.' 'If I know Alice, she will not wait lunch! And anyway there are things more important than lunch.

May I take it for granted, Miss Bremerton, that you have not been altogether dissatisfied with your life here during this six months ?' Elizabeth looked him gravely in the face.

It was clear there was to be no escape.
'How could I have been, Mr.Mannering?
You have taught me a great, great deal--and given me wonderful opportunities.' The Squire nodded, with a look of satisfaction.
'I meant to.

Of course Chicksands would say that it was only my own laziness--that I have given you the work I ought to have done myself.