She had been gazing at vacancy, as if buried in a dream.
"Mr.John?
A visit to London?
Oh, yes, yes; he is going to London." "Do he make much of a stay ?" "I can't tell," said Rachel slightingly.

A certain confidence had been reposed in her at Verner's Pride; but it was not her business to make it known, even in her father's home.

Rachel was not a good hand at deception, and she changed the subject.

"Has there not been some disturbance with the Dawsons to-day?
Old Roy was at Verner's Pride this afternoon, and the servants have been saying he came up about the Dawsons." "He wanted to turn 'em out," replied Robin.
"He's Grip Roy all over," said Mrs.Frost.
Old Matthew Frost shook his head.

"There has been ill-feeling smouldering between Roy and old Dawson this long while," said he.