He screwed out a laugh and an oath.
“I’ll have no old hags about.”
“’Tis a young hag but a little older than myself. Will you let me?”
“No, I won’t.”
“It will please me.”
“No.”
“It will spite Lady Sophia to death.”
“Curse it, you viper! I’ll think about it.”
“Very well. I’ll bring her to be introduced.” And, before he could remonstrate, I was gone.
We found him in demi-toilette when I returned, dragging my reluctant baggage with me, like a lamb to the slaughter. She was as terrified as if ’twere for him I coveted her, and not for myself. He started, seeing her, and came and put his hand on her shoulder.