The Huntsford Croquet

"After being walked out to satisfy a curious neighbourhood."

"Now Alick, do consider it. This sort of thing could remind her of
nothing painful; Uncle George would enjoy it."

"And fall over the croquet traps."

"No; if you wanted to attend to him, I could take care of Rachel."

"I cannot tell, Bessie, I believe it is pure goodnature on Mrs.
Huntsford's part, but if we go, it must be from Rachel's spontaneous
movement. I will not press her on any account. I had rather the world
said she was crazy at once than expose her to the risk of one of the
dreadful nights that haunted us till we came here to perfect quiet."

"But she is well now. She looks better and nicer than I ever saw her.
Really, Alick, now her face is softer, and her eyes more veiled, and her
chin not cocked up, I am quite proud of her. Every one will be struck
with her good looks."

"Flattery, Bessie," he said, not ill pleased. "Yes, she is much better,
and more like herself; but I dread all this being overthrown. If she
herself wishes to go, it may be a good beginning, but she must not be
persuaded."

"Then I must not even tell her that she won't be required to croquet,
and that I'll guard her from all civil speeches."

"No, for indeed, Bessie, on your own account and Lord Keith's, you
should hardly spend a long afternoon from home."

"Here's the war in the enemy's quarters! As to fatigue, dawdling about
Mrs. Huntsford's garden, is much the same as dawdling about my own, and
makes me far more entertaining."