“I do not distrust him! On the contrary, I have entire confidence in him! He is a gentleman and a man of honour!”
“Let him have the management of your affairs.”
“Do you come from Sir Bridgnorth?”
“Sir Bridgnorth is not certain you are alive. He fears you have committed suicide. It will be a great satisfaction to him and several others to learn that you have not executed your fell purpose.”
“Suffer them to remain in ignorance. I would rather they supposed me dead. Keep this secret for me, I beg of you. It is the sole favour you can do me. I will reappear at the proper time.”
“But, meanwhile, you will make several persons very unhappy—your sister, who has the greatest affection for you, as I can testify—and Miss Barfleur.”
“Miss Barfleur!” exclaimed Walter, starting. “She has no interest in me.”
“You are mistaken,” replied the other. “Sir Leycester Barfleur having recently died, she is now a great heiress.”
“The very reason why she should not think of me.”
“Don't despair! Make your appearance!”