"This is all very well," said she. "But 't will avail me little unless he comes before the judge and clears me; and she will never let him do that."
"Ay, that she will,—if she can find him."
"If she can find him? How simple you are!"
"Nay, madam, not so simple but I can tell a good woman from a bad one, and a true from a false."
"What! when you are in love with her? Not if you were the wisest of your sex."
"In love with her?" cried Sir George; and colored high.
"Ay," said the lady. "Think you I cannot tell? Don't deceive yourself. You have gone and fallen in love with her. At your years! Not that 'tis any business of mine."
"Well, madam," said Sir George, stiffly, "say what you please on that score; but at least welcome my good news."
Mrs. Gaunt begged him to excuse her petulance, and thanked him kindly for all he had just done. But the next moment she rose from her chair in great agitation, and burst out, "I'd as lief die as owe anything to that woman."
Sir George remonstrated. "Why hate her? She does not hate you."