"Certainly," answered I, "if I am in town; but we are going to Brighton."
True love is ever thus respectful, and fearful to offend. Worcester, with much modesty, conversed on subjects unconnected with himself or his desires, apparently taking deep interest in my health, which, I assured him, had long been very delicate.
Just before the curtain dropped, Worcester seemed again eager to say something on his refusal to accompany me to Amy's.
"Leinster is coming to take you to your carriage, I know," said he, "and I wish——"
"What do you wish?"
"That you would permit me to explain something to you, and promise not to call me a conceited coxcomb."
"Yes! I'll answer for her," said Fanny, "so out with it, my lord. Why be afraid of that great black-eyed sister of mine, as if she were of so much consequence?"
"Well then," continued Worcester, blushing deeply, "Lord Deerhurst told me that your sister treated you unkindly, and that you never allowed your favourites to visit her. Upon my honour, I would rather never see you again, than pay my court to anybody who has behaved ill to you."
Before I could reply Leinster came hurrying and bustling into the box as the curtain dropped.
"You return to Oxford to-night, I believe?" said His Grace to Worcester, who replied that he must start at six in the morning.