After you see Dorothy Vernon if you still wish me to go, I pledge my faith no power can keep me.

Now is not that fair?
I like you very much, and I want to remain here, if you will permit me, and talk to you for a little time--till you see Doll Vernon." "Doll Vernon, fellow?
How dare you so speak of her ?" demanded John, hotly.
"Your pardon and her pardon, I beg; Mistress Vernon, soon to be Countess of Derbyshire.

By the way, I wager you a gold pound sterling that by the time you see Doll Vernon--Mistress Vernon, I pray your pardon--you will have grown so fond of me that you will not permit me to leave you." She thought after that speech he could not help but know her; but John's skull was like an oaken board that night.

Nothing could penetrate it.

He began to fancy that his companion was a simple witless person who had escaped from his keepers.
"Will you take the wager ?" asked Dorothy.
"Nonsense!" was the only reply John deigned to give to so foolish a proposition.
"Then will you agree that I shall remain at the gate till Doll--Mistress Vernon comes ?" "I suppose I shall have to make the best terms possible with you," he returned.