Second Period Chapter 15 Mr. Henley's Temper

The pleasant life in the country house had lasted for nearly a month,
when the announcement of Hugh's approaching return to England reached
Iris. The fatal end of his father's long and lingering illness had
arrived, and the funeral had taken place. Business, connected with his
succession to the property, would detain him in London for a few days.
Submitting to this necessity, he earnestly expressed the hope of seeing
Iris again, the moment he was at liberty.

Hearing the good news, Mr. Henley obstinately returned to his
plans--already twice thwarted--for promoting the marriage of Mountjoy
and Iris.

He wrote to invite Hugh to his house in a tone of cordiality which
astonished his daughter; and when the guest arrived, the genial welcome
of the host had but one defect--Mr. Henley overacted his part. He gave
the two young people perpetual opportunities of speaking to each other
privately; and, on the principle that none are so blind as those who
won't see, he failed to discover that the relations between them
continued to be relations of friendship, do what he might. Hugh's long
attendance on his dying father had left him depressed in spirits; Iris
understood him, and felt for him. He was not ready with his opinion of
the new maid, after he had seen Fanny Mere. "My inclination," he said,
"is to trust the girl. And yet, I hesitate to follow my
inclination--and I don't know why."