"For what do you suppose I have intruded upon you at this time, Miss Haye?"
"For some particular purpose — what, I don't know. I have been trying to think."
"I did not venture to presume upon making an ordinary call of civility."
What less are you going to do? — thought Elizabeth, looking at him with her eyes a little opened.
"I have been — for a few months past — constantly engaged in business at the South; and it is but a chance which permitted me to come here lately — I mean, to Mannahatta — on a visit to my brother. I am not willing to let slip any such opportunity."
"I should think you would not," said Elizabeth, wondering.
"There I heard of you. — Shall we walk down again?"
"If you please. I don't care whether up or down."
"I could not go home without turning a little out of my way to pay this visit to you. I hope I shall be forgiven."
"I don't know what I have to forgive, yet," said Elizabeth.