“But tell us the whole scene. Let us have it all as it occurred.”
“I 'll do nothing of the kind. It 's quite enough to say that he declares he has a good fortune, and wishes to share it with you; and I think the expression of that wish should secure him a certain deference and respect.”
“But who refuses, who thinks of refusing him all the deference and respect he could ask for? Not I, certainly. Come now, like a dear good boy, let us hear all he said, and what you replied. I suspect there never was a better bit of real-life comedy. I only wish I could have had a part in it.”
“Not too late yet, perhaps,” said Nelly, with a dry humor. “The fifth act is only beginning.”
“That is precisely what I am meditating. George will not tell me accurately what took place in his interview, and I think I could not do better than go and learn Sir Marcus' sentiments for myself.”
She arose and appeared about to leave the room, when L'Estrange sprang towards the door, and stood with his back against it.
“You 're not serious, Ju?” cried he, in amazement.
“I should say very serious. If Sir Marcus only makes out his case, as favorably as you, with all your bungling, can't help representing it, why—all things considered, eh, Nelly? you, I know, agree with me—I rather suspect the proposition might be entertained.”
“Oh, this is too monstrous. It is beyond all belief,” cried L'Estrange.
And he rushed from the room in a torrent of passion, while Julia sank back in a chair, and laughed till her eyes ran over with tears of merriment.