Delamere, still confirmed in his first idea, answered, 'very probably, Sir.'
'And, Sir,' continued Elkerton, 'I now waited upon you, as his Lordship is not in town.'
'Indeed, Sir, you are too obliging.'
'To ask, Sir, a question, which I hope will not be deemed—be deemed—' (a word did not immediately occur) 'be deemed—improper—intrusive—impertinent—inquisitive—presuming—— '
'I dare say, Sir, nothing improper, intrusive, impertinent, inquisitive, or presuming, is to be apprehended from a gentleman of your appearance.'
Delamere expected something very ridiculous to follow this ridiculous introduction, and with some difficulty forbore laughing.
Elkerton went on——
'It relates, Sir, to a Lady.'
'Pray, Sir, proceed. I am really impatient where a lady is concerned.'