I waited to hear more.
"I think I had better not see her, Oliver," the Major's voice resumed.
"Very good, sir." "Say I have gone out, and you don't know when I shall be back again.

Beg the lady to write, if she has any business with me." "Yes, sir." "Stop, Oliver!" Oliver stopped.

There was another and longer pause.

Then the master resumed the examination of the man.
"Is she young, Oliver ?" "Yes, sir." "And--pretty ?" "Better than pretty, sir, to my thinking." "Aye?
aye?
What you call a fine woman--eh, Oliver ?" "Certainly, sir." "Tall ?" "Nearly as tall as I am, Major." "Aye?
aye?
aye?
A good figure ?" "As slim as a sapling, sir, and as upright as a dart." "On second thoughts, I am at home, Oliver.

Show her in! show her in!" So far, one thing at least seemed to be clear.