"And how will you cross? Will you take a carriage?"
"That would be the most agreeable way, but as we are three ladies, without even a courier, I suppose it would not do; ... we must take the coupé of the public conveyance,—there is always protection in numbers, you know."
"If it is only the want of an escort which prevents your enjoying the convenience of travelling by a private carriage," said Mr. Earnscliffe, after a moment's hesitation, "I can supply that deficiency, if you will permit me to join you."
"It is very kind of you, indeed, to offer to hamper yourself with us, particularly as—according to what Flora says—you have such a sovereign contempt for women, without exception."
"Without exception! Does Miss Adair say so?" he asked, looking intently at her.
"Could I think or speak otherwise of your sentiments towards us, after that night at Mrs. Elton's?" she replied, blushing.
"Perhaps not, but will you never forget that night?... Can I make you no sufficient atonement, Miss Adair?"
"You have made more than sufficient atonement by offering to travel with three of us; it is really quite heroic and saint-like, thus voluntarily to impose such a penance upon yourself; I declare, notwithstanding all your hatred to Rome, you would make an excellent Catholic."
"If such were the only penances practised by your saints, and the only objection to Rome, I admit I should make an excellent Catholic."