Mistress Bellairs sat up very energetically for a fainting lady.
"Your mother..." she began with a flash of her eye, then checked herself abruptly. "Adieu, Verney," said she, and stretched out her hand to him.
"Adieu!" he repeated, all bewilderment.
"Ay," said she, "there chimes the Abbey its silly old air. How long have I been with you, sir, alone? Fie, fie, and must I not think of my reputation?"
"Surely, as my future wife..." said he.
"Why then the more reason," she said, cutting him short; "must I not show myself duly discreet? Think of your lady mother! Come, sir, take your leave."
A moment she was taunting; a moment all delicious smiles.
"I'll make him bleat!" she thought, and stamped her foot upon it.
"As far as your door?" said he.
"Not a step," she vowed. "Come, sir, adieu."