? ? ? ? "No, sir," she replied with firmness, "I shall NOT stay. Your business cannot be with ME. The servants, I suppose, forgot to tell you that Mr. Palmer was not in the house."
? ? ? ? "Had they told me," he cried with vehemence, "that Mr. Palmer and all his relations were at the devil, it would not have turned me from the door. My business is with you, and only you."
? ? ? ? "With me!"--in the utmost amazement--"well, sir,-- be quick--and if you can--less violent."
? ? ? ? "Sit down, and I will be both."
? ? ? ? She hesitated; she knew not what to do. The possibility of Colonel Brandon's arriving and finding her there, came across her. But she had promised to hear him, and her curiosity no less than her honor was engaged. After a moment's recollection, therefore, concluding that prudence required dispatch, and that her acquiescence would best promote it, she walked silently towards the table, and sat down. He took the opposite chair, and for half a minute not a word was said by either.
? ? ? ? "Pray be quick, sir,"--said Elinor, impatiently;-- "I have no time to spare.
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