I should be glad to whisper that gentleman's name in your ear .-- Zounds, ma'am, are you deaf?
Do you hear me say that I should be glad to whisper my friend's name in your ear ?' 'You need not repeat it,' said the widow, with a stifled groan; 'I see too well from whom you come.' 'But as a man of honour, ma'am,' said the blind man, striking himself on the breast, 'whose credentials must not be disputed, I take leave to say that I WILL mention that gentleman's name.

Ay, ay,' he added, seeming to catch with his quick ear the very motion of her hand, 'but not aloud.
With your leave, ma'am, I desire the favour of a whisper.' She moved towards him, and stooped down.

He muttered a word in her ear; and, wringing her hands, she paced up and down the room like one distracted.

The blind man, with perfect composure, produced his bottle again, mixed another glassful; put it up as before; and, drinking from time to time, followed her with his face in silence.
'You are slow in conversation, widow,' he said after a time, pausing in his draught.

'We shall have to talk before your son.' 'What would you have me do ?' she answered.