"Well, I thank thee, Mr. Gruby. At this moment I am particularly engaged. That is Jonathan Gruby," said the Quaker to his companion as soon as the stout man had walked on; "one of the busiest men in the City. You have heard probably of Gruby and Inderwald."
Hampstead had never heard of Gruby and Inderwald, and wished that the stout man had been minding his business at that moment. "But as to Miss Fay," he said, endeavouring to continue to tell his love-story.
"Yes, as to Marion. I hardly do know what passed between you two, not having heard the reasons she gave thee."
"No reasons at all;—nothing worth speaking of between persons who know anything of the world."
"Did she tell thee that she did not love thee, my lord?—because that to my thinking would be reason enough."
"Nothing of the kind. I don't mean to boast, but I don't see why she should not like me well enough."
"Nor in sooth do I either."
"What, Zachary; you walking about at this busy time of the day?"
"I am walking about, Sir Thomas. It is not customary with me, but I am walking about." Then he turned on his heel, moved almost to dudgeon by the interruption, and walked the other way. "Sir Thomas Bolster, my lord; a very busy sort of gentleman, but one who has done well in the world.—Nor in sooth do I either; but this is a matter in which a young maiden must decide for herself. I shall not bid her not to love thee, but I cannot bid her to do so."
"It isn't that, Mr. Fay. Of course I have no right to pretend to any regard from her. But as to that there has been no question."