‘How was I to know, Mr. Stebbing? You started off without a word to me, and all you told me when you came back was that the young man said he had posted the letter to his sister. I should like to know why he could not send it himself to the proper place!’
‘Well, Mrs. Stebbing,’ said her husband, ‘I hope it will be a lesson to you against making free with other people’s letters.’
She tossed her head, and was about to retire, when Sir Jasper said—
‘Before leaving us, madam, in justice to my old friend’s daughter, I should be much obliged if you would let me know your grounds for believing the letter to be what you say.’
‘Why—why, Sir Jasper, it has been going on this year or more! She has perfectly infatuated the poor boy.’
‘I am not asking about your son’s sentiments but can you adduce any proof of their being encouraged!’
‘Sir Jasper! a young man doesn’t go on in that way without encouragement.’
‘What encouragement can you prove?’
‘Didn’t I surprise a letter from her—?’
‘Well’—checked the tone of triumphant conviction.