‘“Indeed!” said she slowly, and looking down.
‘“I swear it!” said I, kissing her hand, which, however, had a glove on.’
‘Why not her cheek?’
‘That is not done, major mine, at such times.’
‘Well, go on.’
‘I can’t recall the exact words, for I spoke rapidly; but I told her I was named Minister at a foreign Court, that my future career was assured, and that I was able to offer her a station, not, indeed, equal to her deserts, but that, occupied by her, would be only less than royal.’
‘At Guatemala!’ exclaimed the other derisively.
‘Have the kindness to keep your geography to yourself,’ said Walpole. ‘I merely said in South America, and she had too much delicacy to ask more.’
‘But she said Yes? She consented?’
‘Yes, sir, she said she would venture to commit her future to my charge.’