“This is very kind of you, Mr. Scanlan,” said she, advancing a few steps towards him as he entered. “You must have started early from home.”
“At five, miss,” said he, bowing deferentially.
“And of course you have not breakfasted?”
“Indeed, then, I only took a cup of coffee. I was anxious to be early. I thought from your note that there might be something urgent.”
Mary half smiled at the mingled air of bashfulness and gallantry in which he uttered these broken sentences; for without knowing it himself, while he began in some confusion, he attained a kind of confidence as he went on.
“Nor have I breakfasted, either,” said she; “and I beg, therefore, you will join me.”
Scanlan's face actually glowed with pleasure.
“I have many things to consult you upon with regard to the estate, and I am fully aware that there is nobody more competent to advise me.”
“Nor more ready and willing, miss,” said Maurice, bowing.
“I 'm perfectly certain of that, Mr. Scanlan. The confidence my uncle has always reposed in you assures me on that head.”