The prizefighter showed them into another room, and the Major asked him to stand in the passage, and see that no one was listening; "you see, John," he added, "we are very anxious not to be overheard." "I am not at all particular myself," said George Hawker.

"I have nothing to conceal." "You will alter your mind before I have done, sir," said the Major.
George didn't like the look of affairs .-- How came it that the Major and the prize-fighter knew one another so well?
What did the former mean by all this secrecy?
He determined to put a bold face on the matter.
"Miss Thornton is living with you, sir, I believe ?" began the Major.
"Not at all, sir; Miss Thornton is in lodgings of her own.

I have the privilege of seeing her for a few hours every day.

In fact, I may go as far as to say that I am engaged to be married to her, and that that auspicious event is to come off on Thursday week." "May I ask you to favour me with her direction ?" said the Major.
"I am sorry to disoblige you, Major Buckley, but I must really decline;" answered George.

"I am not unaware how disinclined her family are to the connexion; and, as I cannot but believe that you come on their behalf, I cannot think that an interview would be anything but prejudicial to my interest.