In due time Captain Batsby came. At any knock heard at the door during this period Ayala flew out of the drawing-room into her own chamber; and at the Captain's knock she flew with double haste, feeling sure that this was the special knock. The man was shown up, and in a set speech declared his purpose to Mrs. Dosett, and expressed a hope that Lady Albury might have written on the subject. Might he be allowed to see the young lady?
"I fear that it would be of no service, Captain Batsby."
"Of no service?"
"On receiving Lady Albury's letter I was of course obliged to tell my niece the honour you proposed to do her."
"I am quite in earnest, you know," said the Captain.
"So I suppose, as Lady Albury would not have written, nor would you have come on such a mission. But so is my niece in earnest."
"She will, at any rate, hear what I have got to say."
"She would rather not," said Mrs. Dosett. "She thinks that it would only be painful to both of you. As she has quite made up her mind that she cannot accept the honour you propose to do her, what good would it serve?"
"Is Miss Dormer at home?" asked the Captain, suddenly. Mrs. Dosett hesitated for a while, anxious to tell a lie on the matter, but fearing to do so. "I suppose she is at home," continued the urgent lover.
"Miss Dormer is at present in her own chamber."