It's only
an invitation."
"An invitation to ask somebody here?"
"Yes; to ask somebody to come here. I don't know whether he'll come."
"Do I know him?"
"I hope you may, if he comes. He's a very good-looking young man, if
that is anything."
"Don't talk nonsense, John."
"But I believe he's engaged to another young lady, with whom I must beg
you not to interfere. You remember Florence?"
"Florence Mountjoy? Of course I remember my own niece."
"The young man is engaged to her."
"She was intended for poor Mountjoy."
"Poor Mountjoy has put himself beyond all possibility of a wife."
"Poor Mountjoy!"--and the soft-hearted aunt almost shed tears.
"But we haven't to do with Mountjoy now. Sit down there and begin. 'Dear
Mr. Annesley--'"
"Oh! It's Mr. Annesley, is it?"
"Yes, it is. Mr. Annesley is the handsome young man. Have you any
objection?"
"Only people do say--"
"What do they say?"
"Of course I don't know; only I have heard--"
"That he is a scoundrel!"
"Scoundrel is very strong," said the old lady, shocked.
"A villain, a liar, a thief, and all the rest of it. That's what you
have heard. And I'll tell you who has been your informant. Either first
or second hand, it has come to you from Mr.
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