I only remember, that more than once O'Leary whispered to me something like a caution of some sort or other; but Emily's encouraging smiles and still more encouraging speeches had far more effect upon me than all the eloquence of the united service, had it been engaged in my behalf, would have effected.

Mrs.Bingham, too--who, to do her justice, seemed but little cognisant of our proceedings--from time to time evinced that species of motherly satisfaction which very young men rejoice much in, and older ones are considerably alarmed at.
The play over O'Leary charged himself with the protection of madam, while I enveloped Emily in her cachmere, and drew her arm within my own.
What my hand had to do with her's I know not; it remains one of the unexplained difficulties of that eventful evening.

I have, it is true, a hazy recollection of pressing some very taper and delicately formed finger--and remember, too, the pain I felt next morning on awaking, by the pressure of a too tight ring, which had, by some strange accident, found its way to my finger, for which its size was but ill adapted.
"You will join us at supper, I hope," said Mrs.Bingham, as Trevanion handed her to her carriage.

"Mr.Lorrequer, Mr.O'Leary, we shall expect you." I was about to promise to do so, when Trevanion, suddenly interrupted me, saying that he had already accepted an invitation, which would, unfortunately, prevent us; and having hastily wished the ladies good night, hurried me away so abruptly, that I had not a moment given for even one parting look at the fair Emily.
"Why, Trevanion," said I, "what invitation are you dreaming of?
I, for one, should have been delighted to have gone home with the Binghams." "So I perceived," said Trevanion, gravely; "and it was for that precise reason I so firmly refused what, individually, I should have been most happy to accept." "Then, pray, have the goodness to explain." "It is easily done.

You have already, in recounting your manifold embarrassments, told me enough of these people, to let me see that they intend you should marry among them; and, indeed, you have gone quite far enough to encourage such an expectation.