But now he was interrupted just as he was expecting success.

He was interrupted, and felt himself to be looking like a guilty creature under the eye of the strange lady.

He had not a word to say; but drawing himself suddenly a foot and half away from the widow's side, sat there confessing his guilt in his face.
Mrs Greenow felt no guilt, and was afraid of no strange eyes.

"Mr Cheesacre and I are talking about farming," she said.
"Oh; farming!" answered Maria's mother.
"Mr Cheesacre thinks that turnips are better than early mangels," said Mrs Greenow.
"Yes, I do," said Cheesacre, "I prefer the early mangels," said Mrs Greenow.

"I don't think nature ever intended those late crops.