"
"You are a good soul." Then, after a pause, "Now just you tell me
exactly what you want me to do for all this."
Oldfield was pleased with this question. He said, "I wish you to
abstain from writing to Sir Charles, and him to visit you only once
more before his marriage, just to shake hands and part, with mutual
friendship and good wishes."
"You are right," said she, softly; "best for us both, and only fair to
the girl." Then, with sudden and eager curiosity, "Is she very pretty?"
"I don't know."
"What, hasn't he told you?"
"He says she is lovely, and every way adorable; but then he is in love.
The chances are she is not half so handsome as yourself."
"And yet he is in love with her?"
"Over head and ears."
"I don't believe it. If he was really in love with one woman he
couldn't be just to another. _I_ couldn't. He'll be coming back to me
in a few months."
"God forbid!"
"Thank you, old gentleman."
Mr. Oldfield began to stammer excuses. She interrupted him: "Oh, bother
all that; I like you none the worse for speaking your mind." Then,
after a pause, "Now excuse me; but suppose Sir Charles should change
his mind, and never sign this paper?"
"I pledge my professional credit."
"That is enough, sir; I see I can trust you. Well, then, I consent to
break off with Sir Charles, and only see him once more--as a friend.
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