"I will indeed," said Mr Bristles, seizing the offered hand of the overjoyed Pitskiver; "since your happiness depends on it, you may trust to me for every exertion."
"And you'll plead my cause—you'll speak in the proper quarter?"
"Certainly, you may consider it all arranged."
"But secretly, quietly, no blabbing—these matters are always best done without noise. I would even keep it from my daughters' knowledge, till we are quite prepared to reveal it in all its charms."
"It is indeed a masterpiece—a chef-d'oeuvre—beauty and expression unequaled."
"I flatter myself I am a bit of a judge; and when I have had it in my possession for a short time, I will let you know the result."
The party were now about to break up.
"Them's uncomming pleasant little meetings, arn't them?" said Mr Whalley to one of the middle-aged spinsters who had been present at dinner; "and I thinks this one is like to have a very favourable conclusion."
"Miss Hendy?" enquired the spinster in breathless anticipation.
"Jist so," responded the other—"there can't be no mystery no longer, and they'll be off for France in a few days."