The point is that I can help you--it appears that nobody else can; and I will tell you how I propose to do it.

I will give the lady a seat in my chaise, if you will return the compliment by allowing my servant to ride one of your horses.' I thought he would have sprung at my throat.
'You have always the alternative before you: to wait here for the arrival of papa,' I added.
And that settled him.

He cast another haggard look down the road, and capitulated.
'I am sure, sir, the lady is very much obliged to you,' he said, with an ill grace.
I gave her my hand; she mounted like a bird into the chaise; Rowley, grinning from ear to ear, closed the door behind us; the two impudent rascals of post-boys cheered and laughed aloud as we drove off; and my own postillion urged his horses at once into a rattling trot.

It was plain I was supposed by all to have done a very dashing act, and ravished the bride from the ravisher.
In the meantime I stole a look at the little lady.

She was in a state of pitiable discomposure, and her arms shook on her lap in her black lace mittens.
'Madam--' I began.
And she, in the same moment, finding her voice: 'O, what you must think of me!' 'Madam,' said I, 'what must any gentleman think when he sees youth, beauty and innocence in distress?
I wish I could tell you that I was old enough to be your father; I think we must give that up,' I continued, with a smile.