“Our meetings, so far, Sir Hampton, have been unfortunate, and I have come over this morning to try and set myself at one with you. I presume I am to speak before Miss Rea?”
“My sister is in my confidence, and is my adviser,” said Sir Hampton, in the tone he had prepared for the magisterial bench.
“Then, Sir Hampton, speaking as a frank, blunt sailor, I humbly ask your pardon for any lapses of politeness wherein I have been guilty, and also beg of you to forgive me for my conduct last night.”
“A perfect outrage—barbarous,” said Aunt Matty.
“Er-rum!—Matilda, let the young man speak,” said Sir Hampton, magisterially.
“It was, I am aware, very foolish of me, but I was carried away by my feelings. Sir Hampton Rea, I love your daughter, Valentina.”
“Absurd!” exclaimed Miss Matilda, who remained standing.
“I ventured to tell her so last night, in explaining away a little misapprehension that had existed between us.”
“I never heard such assurance!” said Miss Matilda.
“Matty—er-rum! Matilda, I mean, have the goodness not to interrupt the pris—I mean—er-rum—the statement that is being made.”