"Nay, sir, but I couldn't do that without your bidding. We Vavasors are not always fond of meeting each other."
"Hold your tongue, Kate. I know what you mean, and you should be the last to speak of it. Alice, my dear, come and sit next to me. I am much obliged to you for coming down all this way to see your old grandfather at Christmas. I am indeed. I only wish you had brought better news about your sweetheart."
"She'll think better of it before long, sir," said her father.

"I couldn't do that without your bidding, sir. We Vavasors are not always fond of meeting each other."
"Hold your tongue, Kate. Alice, my dear, come and sit next to me. I am much obliged to you for coming all this way to see your old grandfather at Christmas. I only wish you had brought better news about your sweetheart."
"She'll think better of it before long, sir," said her father.
