Had he been wise to commit himself to a reversal of his sentence?
Other and more important matters troubled him, but as usual where bothers come in battalions it is the lesser skirmishers who are felt for the moment.
"I see in the hall, Ann," he said, "a letter for George Grey--I will mail it.

When does he come ?" "I do not know." "John," he said, "you will oblige me by riding to the mill and asking Dr.
McGregor to come to Westways and see old Josiah.

Of course, he will charge it to me." The Squire was a little ashamed of this indirect confession of retreat.
John looked up, hesitated a moment, and said, "What horse, sir ?" "Dixy, of course." "Another cup, James," said Mrs.Ann tranquilly amused.
John rose, went around the table to his uncle, and said in his finest manner, "I am greatly obliged, sir." "Oh, nonsense! He's rather fresh, take care." Then Leila said, "It's very hot, Uncle Jim." "You small fiend," said Penhallow.

"Hot! On your way, John, tell those rascals at Westways they may use the pond." The faint smile on Ann Penhallow's face somehow set the whole business in an agreeably humorous light.

The Squire broke into the relief of laughter and rose saying, "Get out of this, all of you, if you want to keep your scalps." John went to the stable not quite pleased.