And there, on the other side, was that girl's mother, by no means dismayed at the prospect of a connection which was, to say the least of it, far from desirable; by no means certain, judging her by her own words and looks, that a marriage between Mr.Vanstone's daughter and Mr.Clare's son might not prove to be as satisfactory a result of the intimacy between the two young people as the parents on both sides could possibly wish for! It was perplexing in the extreme.

It was almost as unintelligible as that past mystery--that forgotten mystery now--of the journey to London.
In the evening, Frank made his appearance, and announced that his father had mercilessly sentenced him to leave Combe-Raven by the parliamentary train the next morning.

He mentioned this circumstance with an air of sentimental resignation; and listened to Mr.Vanstone's boisterous rejoicings over his new prospects with a mild and mute surprise.

His gentle melancholy of look and manner greatly assisted his personal advantages.

In his own effeminate way he was more handsome than ever that evening.