"It＇s not yet a quarter to eight," said Ralph.
"I must allow for his impatience," Mrs. Touchett answered. Ralph knew what to think of his father＇s impatience; but, making no rejoinder, he offered his mother his arm. This put it in his power, as they descended together, to stop her a moment on the middle landing of the staircase—the broad, low, widearmed staircase of time-blackened oak which was one of the most striking features of Gardencourt. "You＇ve no plan of marrying her?" he smiled.