He sat for a long time motionless, and without speaking.

Beatrice stood by the mantelpiece; there was a small fire in the grate; now and then a flame leaped up, and cast its reflection on her face.
Suddenly the Rector started upright.
"What day is this ?" he asked.
"Thursday--Thursday night." "And you are to be married on Tuesday ?" "No, I may never marry.

Nina Hart and Loftus Bertram are to be married on Tuesday." "God bless me! Beatrice, you have put me into a nice fix.

Guardians are not always to be envied.

What's the hour, child ?" Beatrice glanced at the clock.
"It is half-past nine," she said.
"You say that this--this Miss Hart is staying at the Bells' ?" "Yes." "I must go to her.