"It is not--permit me the freedom of a friend--it is not proper, scarcely even delicate, in you to go with me on such an errand as I am now upon." "I understand your meaning," said Miss Vernon, a slight blush crossing her haughty brow;--"it is plainly spoken;" and after a moment's pause she added, "and I believe kindly meant." "It is indeed, Miss Vernon.

Can you think me insensible of the interest you show me, or ungrateful for it ?" said I, with even more earnestness than I could have wished to express.

"Yours is meant for true kindness, shown best at the hour of need.

But I must not, for your own sake--for the chance of misconstruction--suffer you to pursue the dictates of your generosity; this is so public an occasion--it is almost like venturing into an open court of justice." "And if it were not almost, but altogether entering into an open court of justice, do you think I would not go there if I thought it right, and wished to protect a friend?
You have no one to stand by you--you are a stranger; and here, in the outskirts of the kingdom, country justices do odd things.

My uncle has no desire to embroil himself in your affair; Rashleigh is absent, and were he here, there is no knowing which side he might take; the rest are all more stupid and brutal one than another.