Stuart smiled and followed him. You must know, I speculate upon a duel.
In short, my plot is entangling itself admirably; and such characters as Betterton and Stuart will not fail to keep the wheels of it going. Betterton is probably planning to carry me off by force; Stuart and our hero are coming to a misunderstanding about me; the latter will, perhaps, return with his arm in an interesting sling, and another parting-forever interview cannot be far distant.
Such is the promising aspect of affairs.
Adieu.
LETTER XV
While I was sitting in the most painful suspense, a knock came to the door, and Stuart entered.
'You terrify, shock, amaze me!' cried I. 'What dreadful blow awaits me? Speak!'
'Pray,' said he, laughing, 'what was your fancy for telling me that you were ruined?'
'And so I am,' answered I.
'At least, not in the way you wished me to suppose,' said he.