away, a quick pace, out of sight in a moment; but before I had time to congratulate myself, he was again at my elbow.
"And could you really let me go, and not be sorry?—Can you see me suffer torments inexpressible, and yet retain all your favour for that miscreant who flies you?—Ungrateful puppy!—I could bastinado him!"
"For Heaven's sake," my dear, cried Mrs. Mirvan, "who is he talking of?"
"Indeed—I do not know, Madam," said I, "but I wish he would leave me."
"What's all that there?" cried the Captain.
The man made a low bow, and said, "Only, Sir, a slight objection which this young lady makes to dancing with me, and which I am endeavouring to obviate. I shall think myself greatly honoured, if you will intercede for me."
"That lady, Sir, said the Captain coldly, "is her own mistress." And he walked sullenly on.
"You Madam," said the man, (who looked delighted, to Mrs. Mirvan,) "you, I hope, will have the goodness to speak for me."
"Sir," answered she gravely, "I have not the pleasure of being acquainted with you."
"I hope when you have, Ma'am," criedhe,
