Lynmere now, without ceremony, made off; and Mr. Dubster, left alone with the baronet, said they might as well proceed to business. 'So pray, sir, if I may make bold, in the case we come to a right understanding about the young lady, what do you propose to give her down?'
Sir Hugh, staring, inquired what he meant.
'Why, I mean, sir, what shall you give her at the first? I know she's to have it all at your demise; but that i'n't the bird in the hand. Now, when once I know that, I can make my offers, which shall be handsome or not, according. And that's but fair. So how much can you part with, sir?'
'Not a guinea!' cried Sir Hugh, with some emotion; 'I can't give her anything! Mr. Edgar knows that.'
'That's hard, indeed, sir. What nothing for a setting out? And, pray, sir, what may the sum total be upon your demise?'
'Not a penny!' cried Sir Hugh, with still more agitation: 'Don't you know I've disinherited her?'
'Disinherited her? why this is bad news enough! And pray, sir, what for?'
'Nothing! She never offended me in thought, word, nor deed!'
'Well, that's odd enough. And when did you do it, sir?'
'The very week she was nine years old, poor thing! which I shall never forget as long as I live, being my worst action.'