You are letting your talents rust, and I don't approve of it!" The faint note of mockery in her tone was clearly apparent.

Mannering found it hard to answer her calmly.
"Come," he said, "put it into plain words.

What does it mean?
What do you want ?" "Sir Leslie tells me," she said, raising her eyes and looking him in the face, "that his party is prepared to find you a safe seat to-morrow.

I want you to give up your hermit's life and accept it." "And the alternative ?" "You have it already before you.

Your reception of it was not, I must admit, altogether flattering." "I am allowed," he said, "some short space of time for consideration ?" "Until to-morrow, if you wish," she answered.