A mortifying idea was beginning to enter the mind of Sir William. “Lady Catherine,” he replied deliberately, “let us have a right understanding. I fear that we are on the precipice of involving ourselves in a misunderstanding of the most distressing nature.”

“Sir William, what can you mean?” said Lady Catherine, patting his hand affectionately. “Certainly we are of an age and situation where we may decide such things for ourselves, do not you… “

“Lady Catherine!” interrupted Sir William, unable to restrain himself for another moment, “When I began this application, I earnestly believed you to be speaking on behalf of your daughter!”

Lady Catherine continued holding his hand for a moment and then abruptly drew herself upright. “Sir William, do I understand you rightly? You are making an offer of marriage not to me, but to my daughter?”

“Yes, Lady Catherine. I assure you most earnestly that I had no other object in view. Whilst I am extremely sorry, and no form of apology can erase the grievous misapprehension as has just occurred, I believe I have secured the affections of your daughter, and sought an opportunity to speak with you privately about making her an offer.”

Lady Catherine rose and walked quickly to the window. Sir William could not see what she was doing except to note she had reached into her reticule and then put her hands near her face. “Sir William, please leave me now.”

“Madam,” he said, rising, “upon my honour as a gentleman, I would never have intentionally offended you in so cruel a manner.” In so saying, he bowed to Lady Catherine’s back and quickly and quietly left the drawing-room.

CHAP. 21.

WHAT SIR WILLIAM DID NEXT may be easily conjectured. Walking quickly through to the promenade where he expected to find Miss de Bourgh walking with her friend, he at length espied her in the crowd, and, coming behind her, touched her shoulder. She was startled, but upon seeing who it was, smiled and said, “Sir William! How pleasant!”

Sir William bowed to both ladies and pulled Miss de Bourgh a little aside from Miss Randolph and said in a confidential voice, “Miss de Bourgh, may I have the pleasure of a few minutes’ speech with you? Will your friend wait? Do I put you to inconvenience?”

“I think she will wait.” Turning back to her companion, she called, “Arabella, will you wait a moment whilst I speak with Sir William?”

“To be sure, Anne. I shall walk on to the weir,” said Arabella.

“What is it, Sir William?” asked Miss de Bourgh with all the feigned concern she could muster on such short notice. “I am afraid you are unwell?”

“No, Miss de Bourgh. But I am afraid I have just had a most frightful interview with your mother.”