No, ma'am; I didn't mean anything. [pg 131] But, you see, I've handled all her accounts, and her payments to you—
LADY CREECH
[crushingly]
We will omit tradesman-like references! What Lord Hawcastle wished me to impress on you is not only that you will ruin yourself, but put a blight upon the life of the young lady whom you are pleased to consider your ward. We make this suggestion because we conceive that you have a preposterous sentimental interest yourself in Miss Granger-Simpson.
PIKE
[taken aback]
Me?
LADY CREECH
Upon what other ground are we to explain your conduct?
PIKE