“Read over that letter, sir,” said Lady Dorothea, “and please to inform me if it rightly conveys your propositions.”
Scanlan perused Massingbred's letter carefully, and folding it up, returned it. “Yes, my Lady,” said he, “I think it embraces the chief points. Of course there is nothing specified as to the mode of carrying them out,—I mean, as to the security I should naturally look for. I believe your Ladyship does not comprehend me?”
“Not in the least, sir.”
“Well, if I must speak plainer, I want to be sure that your concurrence is no mere barren concession, my Lady; that, in admitting my pretensions, your Ladyship favors them. This is, of course,” said he, in a tone of deference, “if your Ladyship condescends to accept the terms at all; for, as yet, you have not said so.”
“If I had not been so minded, sir, this interview would not have taken place.”
“Well, indeed, I thought as much myself,” said he; “and so I at once entered upon what one might call the working details of the measure.”
“How long will it take you to reach London, sir?” asked she, coldly.
“Four days, my Lady, travelling night and day.”
“How soon after your arrival there can you make such arrangements as will put this affair out of all danger, using every endeavor in your power?”
“I hope I could answer for that within a week,—maybe, less.”