But Miss Prettyman seemed to think differently, and he was obliged to go on.

"I don't know whether you have ever heard about it, or noticed it, or--or--or--" He felt that he was very awkward, and he blushed.

Major as he was, he blushed as he sat before the old woman, trying to tell his story, but not knowing how to tell it.

"The truth is, Miss Prettyman, I have done all but ask her to be my wife, and now has come this terrible affair about her father." "It is a terrible affair, Major Grantly; very terrible." "By Jove, you may say that!" "Of course Mr.Crawley is as innocent in the matter as you or I are." "You think so, Miss Prettyman ?" "Think so! I feel quite sure of it.

What; a clergyman of the Church of England, a pious, hard-working country clergyman, whom we have known among us by his good works for years, suddenly turn thief, and pilfer a few pounds! It is not possible, Major Grantly.