It echoed to every word.

Would that she could have been sheltered from the thorns, the rough usages of life, as he would have sheltered her.
Lionel dined with Mrs.Verner, but quitted her soon afterwards.

When he got back to Deerham Court, the stars were peeping out in the clear summer sky.

Lucy Tempest was lingering in the courtyard, no doubt waiting for him, and she ran to meet him as soon as he appeared at the gate.
"How long you have been!" was her greeting, her glad eyes shining forth hopefully.

"And is it all yours ?" Lionel drew her arm within his own in silence, and walked with her in silence until they reached the pillared entrance of the house.