However, she grasped the situation, and after an imploring glance from Magdalen, grappled with all her might with the boot-and-shoe club.
Magdalen hurriedly tore off the little red shawl and returned to the morning-room, and closed the door.

It was a considerable effort to her to close it, and by doing so to invite a renewal of Lord Lossiemouth's offer.

But it could not be left open.
"It was not poor Mr.Thomson's fault," she said, "but I wish I could have saved you this annoyance." He struggled to recover his temper.

Her quivering face shewed him that she was suffering from the miserable accident of the interruption even more than he was.
"I was asking you to marry me," he said with courage, but with visible irritation.

"Will you ?" "I am afraid I cannot." "I knew you would say that.