And, if the truth gives you pain, pray remember it gives me agony.

However, I must tell you the man was not what he looked, a mere blacksmith; he is a sort of Proteus, who can take all manner of shapes: at the time I'm speaking of, he was a maker of carving tools.

Well, sir, you could hardly believe the effect of this accidental interview with that man: the next day, when I renewed my addresses, Miss Carden evaded me, and was as cold as she had been kind: she insisted on it she was not engaged to me, and said she would not marry anybody for two years; and this, I am sorry to say, was not her own idea, but this Little's; for I overheard him ask her to wait two years for him." "Little! What, Raby's new nephew ?" "That is the man." Mr.Carden was visibly discomposed by this communication.

He did not choose to tell Coventry how shocked he was at his own daughter's conduct; but, after a considerable pause, he said, "If what you have told me is the exact truth, I shall interpose parental authority, and she shall keep her engagement with you, in spite of all the Littles in the world." "Pray do not be harsh," said Coventry.
"No, but I shall be firm." "Insanity in his family, for one thing," suggested Coventry, scarcely above a whisper.
"That is true; his father committed suicide.

But really that consideration is not needed.