Do you understand ?' she added, rising.

'For my part, I have done.' 'I will then ask the favour of your hand, madam,' said Otto, palpitating in every pulse with anger.

'I have to request that you will visit in my society another part of my poor house.

And reassure yourself--it will not take long--and it is the last obligation that you shall have the chance to lay me under.' 'The last ?' she cried.

'Most joyfully ?' She offered her hand, and he took it; on each side with an elaborate affectation, each inwardly incandescent.