Wilkie Collins

“ The business which took young Mr. Dunboyne to London was to consult a competent person, on a matter concerning himself. The competent person is the sagacious (not to say sly) old gentleman—whom we used to call the Governor. You know him, I believe?”
“Yes. But I am at a loss to imagine why Philip should have consulted him.”
“Have you ever heard or read, Miss Helena, of such a thing as ‘an old man’s fancy’?”
“I think I have.”
“Well, the Governor has taken an old man’s fancy to your sister. They appeared to understand each other perfectly when I was at the farmhouse.” ”

“ I said; “I am almost ashamed to offer you my hand.”
She took my hand, and gave it a good, heady shake.
“Are we friends?” she asked, in the simplest and prettiest manner. “Then let us be easy and pleasant again,” she went on. ”

“ Fortunately for both of us, she went on with her narrative of her own proceedings.
“Philip Dunboyne is an excellent fellow,” she continued; “I really like him—but he has his faults. He sadly wants strength of purpose; and, like weak men in general, he only knows his own mind when a resolute friend takes him in hand and guides him. I am his resolute friend. I saw him veering about between you and Eunice ”