Delamere concluded from his look and bow, as well as from a foreign accent, (which Elkerton had affected 'till it was become habitual) that the man was either a dancing master or a quack doctor, sent to him by some of his companions, who frequently exercised on each other such efforts of practical wit. He therefore being not without humour, bowed again more profoundly than before; and answered, 'that the honour was entirely his, tho' he did not know how he had deserved it.' 'I was so fortunate, Sir,' resumed Elkerton, 'so fortunate as to--have the honour--the happiness--of knowing Lord Montreville and Lady Montreville a few years ago at Naples.' Delamere, still confirmed in his first idea, answered, 'very probably, Sir.' 'And, Sir,' continued Elkerton, 'I now waited upon _you_, as his Lordship is not in town.' 'Indeed, Sir, you are too obliging.' 'To ask, Sir, a question, which I hope will not be deemed--be deemed--' (a word did not immediately occur) 'be deemed--improper--intrusive--impertinent--inquisitive--presuming----' 'I dare say, Sir, nothing improper, intrusive, impertinent, inquisitive, or presuming, is to be apprehended from a gentleman of your appearance.' Delamere expected something very ridiculous to follow this ridiculous introduction, and with some difficulty forbore laughing. Elkerton went on---- 'It relates, Sir, to a Lady.' 'Pray, Sir, proceed. I am really impatient where a lady is concerned.' 'You are acquainted, Sir, with a lady of the name of Ashwood, who lives at Clapham?' 'No, really Sir, I am not so happy.' 'I fancy then, Sir, I have been misinformed, and beg pardon for the trouble I have presumed to give: but I understood that the young lady who lives with her was a relation of Lord Montreville.' A ray of fire seemed to flash across the imagination of Delamere, and to inflame all his hopes. He blushed deeply, and his voice faultering with anxiety, he cried-- 'What?--who, Sir?--a young lady?--what young lady?' 'Miss Mowbray, they tell me, is her name; and I understand, Sir--but I dare say from mistake--that she is of your family.' Delamere could hardly breathe. He seemed as if he was in a dream, and dared not speak for fear of awaking. Elkerton, led on by the questions Delamere at length summoned resolution to ask, proceeded to inform him of all he knew; how, where, and how often, he had seen Emmeline, and of his intentions to offer himself a candidate for her favour--'for notwithstanding, Sir,' said he, 'that Mr. Rochely seems to be _fort avant en ses bon graces_, I think--I hope--I believe, that his fortune--(and yet his fortune does not perhaps so much exceed mine as many suppose)--his fortune will hardly turn the balance against _me_; especially if I have the sanction of Lord Montreville; to whom I suppose (as you seem to acknowledge some affinity between Miss Mowbray and his Lordship) it will be no harm if I apply.'