"We won't differ as to that, sir," said the Colonel, taking out his pocket-book.
"But, my dear sir, you take me so very short—I said some persons might make such a claim—I mean for payment of the expences of the deed, trouble in the affair, &c.—but I, for my own part, only wish Miss Bertram and her friends to be satisfied that I am acting towards her with honour. There's the paper, sir! It would have been a satisfaction to me to have delivered it into Miss Bertram's own hands, and to have wished her joy of the prospects which it opens. But since her prejudices on the subject are invincible, it only remains for me to transmit her my best wishes through you, Colonel Mannering, and to express that I shall willingly give my testimony in support of that deed when I shall be called upon. I have the honour to wish you a good morning, sir."
This parting speech was so well got up, and had so much the tone of conscious in-
