“You’ve not confined yourself to hints. You’ve been provident in act as well as in thought.”
“What the deuce do you mean?”
“Don’t be angry when I tell you, you haven’t planned a plan, the last three months, of which I haven’t been aware.”
“Well, I’ve always thought you the keenest woman of my acquaintance; but I’d like to have it put through my hair what you’re exactly driving at now. What is it?”
“This: I know your scheme in regard to Miss Murray, and, what is more, I highly approve of it.”
“You’re the Devil!” exclaimed Ratcliff, starting up from his seat. Then, seeing Josephine’s unaffected smile and evident good humor, he sat down.
“At first I was a little chagrined,” she said, “especially when I found Mademoiselle so very pretty. But I’ve reflected much on it since, and talked with my confessor about it.”
“The deuce you have! Talked with your confessor, eh?”
“Yes, with my confessor. And the result is, that, so far from opposing you in your plan, I’ve concluded to give it my support.”
“And what do you understand to be my plan?”