Now, my dear, what do you think she intended ?' Elizabeth was 'burning brown,' or darkly blushing, as her manner was.
She answered, 'I am certain you know of nothing that would interest her; nothing, unless...' 'Well ?' the General urged her.
'How can I speak it, papa ?' 'You really can't mean...' 'Papa, what could I mean ?' 'If I were fool enough!' he murmured.

'No, no, I am an old man.

I was saying, I am past the age of folly.' One day Elizabeth came home from her ride in a thoughtful mood.

She had not, further than has been mentioned, incited her father to think of the age of folly; but voluntarily or not, Lady Camper had, by an excess of graciousness amounting to downright invitation; as thus, 'Will you persist in withholding your confidence from me, General ?' She added, 'I am not so difficult a person.' These prompting speeches occurred on the morning of the day when Elizabeth sat at his table, after a long ride into the country, profoundly meditative.
A note was handed to General Ople, with the request that he would step in to speak with Lady Camper in the course of the evening, or next morning.

Elizabeth waited till his hat was on, then said, 'Papa, on my ride to-day, I met Mr.Rolles.' 'I am glad you had an agreeable escort, my dear.' 'I could not refuse his company.' 'Certainly not.