"I wonder we do not become perfect barbarians, cut off as we are from ladies' society.

I'm sure I wish you would settle down here instead of in London.

You would civilise both the Rectory and the Hall." I was really thinking of my uncle taking a house in the neighbourhood.
I do not know what Maria was thinking of; but she looked up suddenly into my face, with a strange expression, as if half inclined to speak.
She said nothing, however, only blushed deeply, and began walking towards the house.

I puzzled for a few minutes over that pathetic look and blush, but I could make nothing of it, and it passed from my mind till the next evening after dinner, when, after a little ceremonious preamble, my father asked if there was "anything between" myself and my eldest cousin.

In explanation of this vague question, he told me that Maria had been failing in health and spirits for some months; that my aunt's watchful observation and experience had led her to the conclusion that Maria was not in a consumption, but in love.