My softened mood lasted only a short time after I left the Old Swan, and I cared not whether he lived or died." Hoping to put her right, I told her of the wager at the Leg Tavern, which in my opinion fully explained George's presence on the St.Albans road, but she declared that it was a flimsy excuse, and said she did not want to talk further on the subject.
Knowing that I could not convince her at that time, I bore away from the topic and called her attention to the impropriety of taking dinner unescorted at a public house.
"I know all about it, cousin," she returned, "but a good character is of no value in Whitehall.

It is an incumbrance.

As to my conscience, you need have no fear.

When I first came to court, I supposed I should encounter dangers.

I was mistaken.