This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
GUY MANNERING.
237

sin.–"Hem! hem! I took the liberty to wait upon Miss Bertram, Colonel Mannering, on account of a matter of business."

"If it can be communicated to Mr Mac-Morlan, her agent, I believe it will be more agreeable to Miss Bertram."

"I beg pardon, Colonel Mannering;—you are a man of the world—there are some cases in which it is most prudent for all parties to treat with principals."

"Then, if Mr Glossin will take the trouble to state his object in a letter, I will answer that Miss Bertram pays proper attention to it."

"Certainly—but there are cases in which a viva voce conference—I perceive—I know Colonel Mannering has adopted some prejudices which may make my visit appear intrusive; but I submit to his good sense, whether he ought to exclude me from a hearing without knowing the purpose of my visit, or of how much conse-