Never in all his life had he been in so great a passion; and having to suppress its signs in the presence of the Rector only made the fuel burn more fiercely.

To ruin him with the doctor by going _there_ with the news! Anywhere else--anywhere but the Rectory! Hedges, the butler, interrupted the conference.

Dinner was waiting.

Lord Hartledon looked at Val as the two entered the room, and was rather surprised at the furious gaze of reproach that was cast back on him.
Miss Ashton was not there.

No, of course not! It needed not Val's glance around to be assured of that.