“By Jove, you are right, Anne. Trust a woman’s brain. But I don’t want to sell the estates unless I am forced to.”
“Would you rather part with the land, or give up your project of marrying Angela Caresfoot?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because you will have to choose between the two.”
“Then I had rather sell.”
“You had better give it up, George. I am not superstitious, but I have knowledge in things that you do not understand, and I foresee nothing but disaster in this plan.”
“Once and for all, Anne, I will not give it up whilst I have any breath left in my body, and I take my oath that unless you help me, and help me honestly, I will expose you.”
“Oh! I am your very humble servant; you may count on me. The galley- slave pulls well when the lash hangs over his shoulders,” and she laughed coldly.
Just then a servant announced that Mr. Caresfoot was at the door, and anxious to speak to his cousin. He was ordered to show him into the drawing-room. As soon as he had gone on his errand, George said,
“I will not see him; say I am too unwell. But do you go, and see that you make the most of your chance.”