CHAPTER L 

Mrs Dale Is Thankful for a Good Thing 

On that day they dined early at the Small House, as they had been in the habit of doing since the packing had commenced. And after dinner Mrs Dale went through the gardens, up to the other house, with a written note in her hand. In that note she had told Lady Julia, with many protestations of gratitude, that Lily was unable to go out so soon after her illness, and that she herself was obliged to stay with Lily. She explained also, that the business of moving was in hand, and that, therefore, she could not herself accept the invitation. But her other daughter, she said, would be very happy to accompany her uncle to Guestwick Manor. Then, without closing her letter, she took it up to the squire in order that it might be decided whether it would or would not suit his views. It might well be that he would not care to go to Lord De Guest's with Bell alone. 

"Leave it with me," he said; "that is, if you do not object." 

"Oh dear, no!" 

"I'll tell you the plain truth at once, Mary. I shall go over myself with it, and see the earl. Then I will decline it or not, according to what passes between me and him. I wish Lily would have gone." 

"Ah! she could not." 

"I wish she could. I wish she could. I wish she could." As he repeated the words over and over again, there was an eagerness in his voice that filled Mrs Dale's heart with tenderness towards him. 
Where did they eat?
When did they start doing that?
Who delivered a message?
Who couldn't participate?
Why?
why else?
Also?
Who could go?
Where are they going?
how was the message accepted?
Did she like the gentleman?
Small House
On that day they dined early at the Small House
Since packing had commenced
On that day they dined early at the Small House, as they had been in the habit of doing since the packing had commenced. 
Mrs Dale
And after dinner Mrs Dale went through the gardens, up to the other house, with a written note in her hand.
Lily nor Mrs Dale
In that note she had told Lady Julia, with many protestations of gratitude, that Lily was unable to go out so soon after her illness, and that she herself was obliged to stay with Lily.
Lily was unable to go out so soon after her illness
Lily was unable to go out so soon after her illness
and that she herself was obliged to stay with Lily
and that she herself was obliged to stay with Lily
business of moving was in hand
She explained also, that the business of moving was in hand, and that, therefore, she could not herself accept the invitation
other daughter
ut her other daughter, she said, would be very happy to accompany her uncle to Guestwick Manor
Guestwick Manor.
But her other daughter, she said, would be very happy to accompany her uncle to Guestwick Manor. 
He wished Lily could go
 I wish Lily would have gone." 
yes
As he repeated the words over and over again, there was an eagerness in his voice that filled Mrs Dale's heart with tenderness towards him.