I never was more my own master than I am at present, as I will prove to you." "Prove it, then, by explaining how you came to sign that paper.

You could not mean to run counter to me ?" "But I did," Sir Francis rejoined, highly offended.

"I meant to run counter to you in signing it, and I mean it now." "'Sdeath! you besotted fool, you are playing into their hands!" "Besotted fool in your teeth, Sir Giles.

I am as sober as yourself.

My hand has been put to that paper, and what it contains I stand by." "You design, then, to acquit Madame Bonaventure?
Consider what you say ?" "No need for consideration; I have always designed it." "Ten thousand thanks, Sir Francis!" the hostess cried.