Who knows, the whim that he hinted at may have passed away--he was, as you say, flirting with Lady Binks, and her ladyship has a good deal of address, as well as beauty." "Heaven improve both, (in an honest way,) if she will but keep his lordship to herself!" said Clara.
"Well, then," continued her brother, "things standing thus, I do not think you will have much trouble with his lordship--no more, perhaps, than just to give him a civil denial.

After having spoken on such a subject to a man of my condition, he cannot well break off without you give him an apology." "If that is all," said Clara, "he shall, as soon as he gives me an opportunity, receive such an answer as will leave him at liberty to woo any one whatsoever of Eve's daughters, excepting Clara Mowbray.

Methinks I am so eager to set the captive free, that I now wish as much for his lordship's appearance as I feared it a little while since." "Nay, nay, but let us go fair and softly," said her brother.

"You are not to refuse him before he asks the question." "Certainly," said Clara; "but I well know how to manage that--he shall never ask the question at all.

I will restore Lady Binks's admirer, without accepting so much as a civility in ransom." "Worse and worse, Clara," answered Mowbray; "you are to remember he is my friend and guest, and he must not be affronted in my house.