"Not meet me again! Pray why not?"
"Sir William very much prefers that I should not do so."
"Sir William!" repeated she, with an inquiring glance.
"I think he does not like my company very well."
"I do, if he does not."
Shuffles did not mention to her that he had conversed with the baronet about the matter, and that the latter had used some rather strong language to him. He was not disposed to make trouble.
"I have some idea of your relations with Sir William," added Shuffles, with considerable embarrassment.
"I haven't any relations with him, Captain Shuffles," replied she, fixing her gaze upon the floor, while her face crimsoned with blushes.
"I have been told that you were engaged."
"By our parents—yes. By myself—no. I dislike Sir William very much indeed; and I know my father will never do anything that will make me unhappy."