"
"There used to be a time, and that not so long ago either, when young
gentlemen and ladies were thought to be very dangerous to each other
if they were left alone. But propriety is less rampant now, and upon
the whole virtue and morals, with discretion and all that kind of
thing, have been the gainers. Don't you think so?"
"I am sure of it."
"All the same, but I don't like to be caught in a trap, Mr. Finn."
"In a trap?"
"Yes;--in a trap. Is there no trap here? If you will say so, I will
acknowledge myself to be a dolt, and will beg your pardon."
"I hardly know what you call a trap."
"You were told that I was here?"
He paused a moment before he replied. "Yes, I was told."
"I call that a trap."
"Am I to blame?"
"I don't say that you set it,--but you use it."
"Miss Effingham, of course I have used it. You must know,--I think
you must know that I have that to say to you which has made me long
for such an opportunity as this."
"And therefore you have called in the assistance of your friend."
"It is true."
"In such matters you should never talk to any one, Mr. Finn. If you
cannot fight your own battle, no one can fight it for you."
"Miss Effingham, do you remember our ride at Saulsby?"
"Very well;--as if it were yesterday.
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