"Oh! no, not that," answered Tom Pynsent, becoming somewhat disordered; "you will hear it in time, so you may as well be present, only—"
"Let me lead the way then, my dear Mr. Pynsent;" and she proceeded towards the door of the study. Sir John was seated in his arm-chair, looking over a package of new books; and, for a minute or two, he did not recognize Mr. Pynsent. Lady Wetheral was shocked.
"Sir John, you do not appear to remember our friend Mr. Pynsent, who is anxious to see you. What is the study, my love, which so engrosses your faculties?"
Sir John rose, and received Tom Pynsent with his usual quiet politeness.
"I did not immediately recollect you, sir; I hope your family are well, Mr. Pynsent; be seated, if you please."
Tom Pynsent glanced at the chair which was advanced towards him, but he remained standing with a red face and an embarrassed manner.
"I hope all are well at Hatton," repeated Sir John, surprised by the silence of his companion.
Tom Pynsent could only comfortably entertain one idea at a time, and his present idea was exclusively the proposal he intended to make for Julia. The repetition, however, roused him from his embarrassment.
"Sir John, I'm come here for a very particular purpose." The plunge was made, and Tom Pynsent's voice and manner recovered their serenity. "I have something to say, Sir John, which I hope will not give offence. I like Miss Julia very much; indeed I love and admire her extremely, and I wish to know if I have your leave to address her?"
Lady Wetheral threw looks and smiles at the speaker, which encouraged and delighted the lover; but Sir John was taken by surprise.