She has got some trumpery notions in her head that any slight transgression over the bounds of delicacy made by women before marriage is ever after remembered by the husband to their disadvantage, and she is, therefore, resolved not to sacrifice her principle even at such a crisis as the present." "All very proper, I have no doubt; but still, pray explain what I confess appears somewhat strange to me at present.

How does so very delicately-minded a person reconcile herself to travelling with a perfect stranger under such circumstances ?" "That I can explain perfectly to you.

You must know that when my darling Loo consented to take this step, which I induced her to do with the greatest difficulty, she made the proviso I have just mentioned; I at once showed her that I had no maiden aunt or married sister to confide her to at such a moment, and what was to be done?
She immediately replied, 'Have you no elderly brother officer, whose years and discretion will put the transaction in such a light as to silence the slanderous tongues of the world, for with such a man I am quite ready and willing to trust myself.' You see I was hard pushed there.

What could I do ?--whom could I select?
Old Hayes, the paymaster, is always tipsy; Jones is five-and-forty--but egad! I'm not so sure I'd have found my betrothed at the end of the stage.

You were my only hope; I knew I could rely upon you.