"Pray
remember this is only a first attempt."
"I am sure you have my devout wishes for your success. How this wretched
old hunk can resist such eyes, such a smile, as yours, is beyond my
comprehension. If such a niece attacked _me_, I should surrender at the
first demand."
"I don't think you would"--a little tartly. "I think you have as keen a
regard for your own interest as most men."
"I am sure you would despise me if I had not, and the idea of being
despised by you is intolerable."
"You know I do not"--very softly. "But it is time I turned and went
toward home."
"Nonsense, my dear Mrs. Liddell! or, if you will turn, let it be round
Kensington Gardens. Do you know, I am going to Scotland next week, to
Sir Ralph's moor; then I expect a party to meet Errington at my own
place early in September; so I shall not have many chances of seeing you
until I run up just before Christmas. Now I am going to ask a great
favor. It's so hard to get a word with you except under the Argus eyes
of that mother-in-law of yours."
"What can it be?" opening her eyes.
"Come with me to see this play they have been giving at the Adelphi. I
have never had a spare evening to see it. We'll leave early, and have a
snug little supper at Verey's, and I'll see you home.
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