But though impatient, and fully aware of his own impatience, he acknowledged to himself that Alice could not be expected to share it.

He could plan nothing now,--could have no pleasure in life that she was not expected to share.

But as yet it could not be so with her.

She had her house in London, her town society, and her father.

And, inasmuch as the change for her would be much greater than it would be for him, it was natural that she should require some small delay.