“And meanwhile, sir, you agree with me that it is better I should continue to behave towards you with a cold and distant reserve.”
“Unquestionably.”
“Barely meeting, seldom or never conversing.”
“I should say never, madam; making, in fact, any communication you may desire to reach me through the intervention of that young person,—I forget her name.”
“Miss Herbert, sir.”
“Exactly; and who appears gentle and unobtrusive.”
“She is a gentlewoman by birth, sir,” said the old lady, tetchily.
“I have no doubt of it, madam, or she would not be found in association with you.”
She courtesied deeply at the compliment, and I bowed as low, and, backing and bowing, I gained the door, dying with eagerness, to make my escape.
“Will you pardon me, sir, if, after all the agitation of this meeting, I may not feel equal to appear at dinner to-day?”