"To be entirely frank," said she graciously, "Captain Mason lacks means. He applied to me, but of course I cannot furnish it for such a purpose."
"Certainly not," said Lee: "the matter has been too much talked of already; but not by our side, ma'am."
"Yes," said she. "You will, I trust, give us your assistance."
"Certainly—yes'm," said Lee: "it shall be done accordin' to Hoyle. Beg pardon, but give yourself no trouble about it."
"What a burden you remove!" said the dowager. "Such a delicate matter, and my nephew feels that his honor is involved. Oh, you men! you men! But I am so fortunate to have met you!"
The dowager was really impressed and pleased with his prompt acquiescence in the postponement.
"Yes'm," continued Deane, "I'll see to it at once. Nettles needn't know a word."
"Thank you," said the dowager, sunning him with a royal grace of manner—"so delicate and considerate in you! Yes, I should prefer that." She evidently thought he referred to her nephew's impecuniosity; and he did, but not as she supposed.
"Not a word," continued Deane, thinking she must be a right jolly old girl, after all. "Of course, ma'am, you couldn't advance the money to Captain Mason: it 'ud look ugly for a lady. But the boys shall have their fun: I'll lend him the shads myself."
"Sir!" shrieked the dowager.