“I am afraid, sir, I have been inattentive,--I fear that my thoughts were away from what you have been saying,” said she, hastily. “Shall I just throw my ideas on paper, Miss Kellett, and wait your answer--say to-morrow?” “My answer to what, sir?” “I have been presumptuous enough to make you an offer of my hand, Miss Kellett,” said he, with a half-offended dignity. “There are, of course, a number of minor considerations--I call them minor, as they relate to money matters--to be discussed after; for instance, with regard to these shares--” “It will save us both a world of trouble, sir, when I thank you deeply for the honor you would destine me, and decline to accept it.” “I know there is a discrepancy in point of years--” “Pray, sir, let us not continue the theme. I have given my answer, and my only one.” “Or if it be that any meddling individual should have mentioned the late Mrs. H.,” said he, bristling up,-- “for she is the late, that I can satisfy you upon,--I have abundant evidence to show how that woman behaved--” “You are confiding to me more than I have the right or wish to hear, sir.” “Only in vindication,--only in vindication. I am aware how her atrocious book has libelled me. It made me a perfect martyr for the season after it came out; but it is out of print,--not a copy to be had for fifty pounds, if it were offered.” “But really, sir--” “And then, Miss Kellett,” added he, in a sort of thrilling whisper, “she drank; at first sherry,--brown sherry--but afterwards brandy,--ay, ma'am, brandy neat and a matter of a bottle daily. If you only knew what I went through with her,--the scenes in the streets, in the playhouses, in coffee-rooms,--ay, and police-offices,--I give you my sacred word of honor Simpson Hankes was rapidly becoming as great a public scandal as the Rev. Paul Classon himself!” “Cannot you perceive, sir, that these details are less than uninteresting to me?” “Don't say that, Miss Kellett,--don't, I beg you, or else you 'll make me fear that you 'll not read the little pamphlet I published, entitled 'A Brief Statement by Simpson Hankes,'--a brochure that I am proud to believe decided the world in my favor.” “Once for all, Mr. Hankes, I decline to hear more of these matters. If I have not more plainly told you how little they claim to interest me, it is because my own selfish cares fill up my thoughts. I will try to hand you the correspondence Mr. Dunn desires to see in your keeping by to-morrow morning. There are many circumstances will require special explanation in it. However I will do my best to be ready.” “And my offer, Miss Kellett?” “I have declined it, sir.” “But really, young lady, are you well aware of what it is you refuse?” asked he, angrily. “I will not discuss the question, sir,” said she, haughtily. “Give me that letter I showed you.” “The letter, I opine, is mine, Miss Kellett. The address alone pertains to you.”