"Let me ask you a question, Frederick. Have you formed any other attachment?"
"No. At least"--and he laughed again--"I am not sure but I had a fancy of the sort once. I believe it has passed."
"Is there anything between you and Georgina Beauclerc?" asked Isaac. "Any love?"
"Not on--" my side, had all but escaped him in his impulsiveness. But he was in time to alter the phrase. "Not anything."
"Then it is not she who is keeping you from Anne?"
"Neither she nor any one else. I decline Anne of my own free will. But indeed, Isaac, one great and essential objection is, that I do not care to marry at present."
"Why don't you?"
"I am unable to give you any particular reason, except that I don't. And I really do not know who would have me."
"Anne would have you."
A peculiar smile hovered for a moment on his lips. It was followed by words that bitterly offended Mr. St. John.