“The too was pronounced very civilly.
“‘I believe not, sir,’ answered Mrs. Delany; ‘at least, she does not tell.’
“‘Oh!’ cried he, laughing, ‘that’s nothing! She is not apt to tell; she never does tell, you know! Her father told me that himself. He told me the whole history of her Evelina. And I shall never forget his face when he spoke of his feelings at first taking up the book!—he looked quite frightened, just as if he was doing it that moment! I never can forget his face while I live!’
“Then coming up close to me, he said:
“‘But what?—what?—how was it?’
“‘Sir,’ cried I, not well understanding him.
“‘How came you—how happened it?—what?—what?
“‘I—I only wrote, sir, for my own amusement—only in some odd, idle hours.’
“‘But your publishing—your printing—how was that?’
“‘That was only, sir—only because——’