"Why, when parties are in that way they naturally don't like movin'. Besides, there's another strong reason I've found out why that young woman don't want to go."
"And that is--"
"She's uncommon fond, of you. Ah, you may shake your head, but I'm sure of it."
"If she made you believe that, Mr. Effingham," said Sir Charles with a very grim smile, "I'm afraid she's got the better of you altogether."
"Has she, by Jove! No, no. The proof of the puddin's in the eatin', Sir Charles; and whether I've done the trick or not you'll find out before I've finished. Any how, I'm satisfied."
"Well, as you say that, and as the payment of the fifty pounds depends upon the 'trick being done,' as you call it, I suppose before you've finished your story I shall be satisfied too."
"What was I saying? Oh, about her being nuts on you still,--O yes,--and I had to talk to her about that, and tell her it wouldn't do now you was married, and, in fact, that that was one of the great reasons for her to go, as parties had observed her feelin's. That seemed to touch her,--for her pride's awful,--and she began to give way, and at last, after a long palaver, she said she'd go, though not before I--"
"Beg your pardon, Sir Charles," said Banks, opening the door; "Mrs. Hammond, Sir Charles, wishes to speak to you, Sir Charles: she's here at the door."
"Show her in, by all means," said Mitford, turning to Effingham and laying his finger on his lips; then to him, sotto voce, "Keep your mouth shut!"
"I'm very sorry to trouble you, Sir Charles," said Mrs. Hammond, entering hurriedly, with a slight bow to the stranger and a glance of astonishment at his appearance; "but I will detain you only an instant. Have you heard anything of Miss Gillespie?"