The news of Mr Primrose's arrival at Smatterton soon reached the rectory at Neverden. Had it not found its way there sooner, Mr Zephaniah Pringle would have been the first to communicate the intelligence on the following morning. The arrival having been announced, was of course expected. And there was much anxiety felt on the subject by all the parties concerned: of course more especially by Robert Darnley. For in consequence of his letter having been unanswered, he had fully determined, in spite of all domestic opposition and paternal expostulation, to make a journey to London for the purpose of explanation. The elder Mr Darnley was mightily displeased to hear of the purpose which Mr Primrose had in view in coming to Smatterton. To the fastidious mind of the rector of Neverden it appeared very indelicate for Miss Primrose, after what had taken place, to throw herself in the way of Mr Robert Darnley: for in no other light could the rector of Neverden regard the meditated settlement of Mr Primrose at Smatterton. It is a great pity that such a man as Mr Darnley, who had for the most part a good understanding and good feelings, should be so obstinate in his prejudices and so immoveable in his fancies. He had, for some reason or other, taken it into his head that Miss Primrose was proud and fantastical and unfeeling; and nothing could bring him to think favourably of her. He saw everything that she did or said through the deceptive medium of his erroneous apprehension of her character. It was a vain attempt to turn him from his humour. He had thoroughly believed at the first the calumnious report brought from London by Zephaniah Pringle. He had also believed that it was Penelope's own wish, purpose, and desire, to adopt the musical profession; and though he had felt satisfied that the cessation of the correspondence between his son and the young lady had sprung altogether from the caprice of the latter, yet he considered that this meditated residence in Smatterton was, on the part of Penelope, with a desire of meeting again with Robert Darnley.