Having been quite unsuccessful in his search for her, he took a very plain and straight-forward course to obtain what he wished, going to Lady Gordon for assistance.
"Will you be my friend," said he, appealing to her with a look of great concern, "my friend in a very important matter."
"Have I ever been otherwise, why should you ask?" replied she.
"Then procure me an interview with Emma—I cannot find her any where, and I cannot exist longer in suspense. Dear Lady Gordon, do pray have pity on me!"
"Yes!" replied she, affecting to look very grave, "I have pity on you; and since you wish so much for an interview, I will try and procure one, that is if Emma is not absolutely bent on refusing to hear you. But are you prepared—can you stand the shock which awaits you?"
"Good Heavens! what do you mean, Lady Gordon?" cried he, catching her hand in his with an accent of alarm.
"Why, what do you expect?" said she, withdrawing her hand, "but that she will refuse you; what else can you anticipate?"
"Refuse me, why—do not torment me—I am not afraid—" he added, trying to smile.
"Upon my word, a very modest speech!" exclaimed she, "so you feel no alarm—tranquil self-confidence possesses your soul. Emma will be intensely gratified!"
"Dear Lady Gordon—" said he, pleadingly; but she would not listen.