"Love," she said, "do you know I shouldn't be at all surprised if John
Mortimer has made Justina an offer, and she has refused him."
"_I_ should be very much surprised, indeed," said Brandon, laughing; "I
think highly of his good sense--and of hers, for both which reasons I
feel sure, my darling, that he has not made her an offer, and she has
not refused him."
"But I am almost sure he has," proceeded Dorothea, "otherwise I should
be obliged to think that the kind of things she said to-day were not
quite fair."
"What did she say?"
Dorothea told him.
"I do not think that amounts to much," said Brandon.
"Oh then you think he never did ask her? I hope and trust you are
right."
"Why do you hope and trust, Mrs. Brandon? What can it signify to you?"
Then, when she made no answer, he went on. "To be sure that would make
it highly natural that he should be glad at the prospect of her
absenting herself."
"I was just thinking so. Did not he speak well, St. George."
"He did; you were wishing all the time that I could speak as well!"
"Just as if you did not speak twice as well! Besides, you have a much
finer voice.
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