They had a week before them, and in any case he promised readily in answer to her entreaties--for her faith in him was a thing unquenchable--that he would do nothing without taking counsel with her.
Meanwhile Diana had escorted Sir Rowland to the main gates of Lupton House, in front of which Miss Westmacott's groom was walking his horse, awaiting him.
"Sir Rowland," said she at parting, "your chivalry makes you take this matter too deeply to heart.

You overlook the possibility that my cousin may have good reason for not desiring your interference." He looked keenly at this little lady to whom a month ago he had been on the point of offering marriage.

His coxcombry might readily have suggested to him that she was in love with him, but that his conscience and inclinations urged him to assure himself that this was not the case.
"What shall that mean, madam ?" he asked her.
Diana hesitated.

"What I have said is plain," she answered, and it was clear that she held something back.
Sir Rowland flattered himself upon the shrewdness with which he read her, never dreaming that he had but read just what she intended he should.
He stood squarely before her, shaking his great head.

"Not plain enough for me," he said.