“No, no, Lorrequer, you are a ready witted fellow I know, but this passes even your ingenuity, besides I have given her my word.”
“Even so.”
“Why, what do you mean, speak out man,” said Sir Guy, “I’ll give you ten thousand pounds on the spot if you suggest a means of overcoming this difficulty.”
“Perhaps you might not accede afterwards.”
“I pledge myself to it.”
“And I too,” said Lord Callonby, “if no unfair stratagem be resorted to towards my daughter. If she only give her free and willing consent, I agree.”
“Then you must bid higher, uncle, ten thousand won’t do, for the bargain is well worth the money.”
“Name your price, boy, and keep your word.”
“Agreed then,” holding my uncle to his promise, “I pledge myself that his nephew shall be husband of Lady Jane Callonby, and now, my Lord, read Harry vice Guy in the contract, and I am certain my uncle is too faithful to his plighted word, and too true to his promise not to say it shall be.”
The suddenness of this rash declaration absolutely stunned them both, and then recovering at the same moment, their eyes met.