'My dear girl, I am heartily concerned at the whole business, only, as it's over, I don't like talking of it. This is the last scrape I shall ever be in while I live. But if you won't help me, I am undone. You know your influence with my uncle. Do, there's a dear girl, use it for your brother! I have not a dependance in the world, now, but upon you!'
'Certainly I will do whatever I can for you,' said she, sighing; 'but indeed, my dear Lionel, your manner of going on makes my very heart ache! However, let this twenty pounds be in part, and tell me your very smallest calculation for what must be added?'
'Two hundred. A farthing less will be of no use; and three will be of thrice the service. But mind!... you must not say it's for me!'
'How, then, can I ask for it?'
'O, vamp up some dismal ditty.'
'No, Lionel!' exclaimed she, turning away from him; 'you propose what you know to be impracticable.'
'Well, then, if you must needs say it's for me, tell him he must not for his life own it to the old ones.'
'In the same breath, must I beg and command?'
'O, I always make that my bargain. I should else be put into the lecture room, and not let loose again till I was made a milk-sop. They'd talk me so into the vapours, I should not be able to act like a man for a month to come.'
'A man, Lionel?'