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 pany; we are going to take a ramble, and will permit you to be our escort."

"Your permission honours me (said he); but I am unfortunately prevented by very particular business from availing myself of it."

"Go, go; you are a shocking creature I declare (cried Olivia); this business is the same with that which prevented your waiting on Mademoiselle Clermont the other morning according to your promise." His letter had been shown, and the reason of it explained to Olivia and her mother.

De Sevignie coloured highly, and looked confused. "You speak sometimes from supposition I fancy," said he to Olivia.

"Not now I can assure (replied she); I know very well that what you have just said to me, is a mere pretext as well as what you wrote to Mam'selle Clermont the other morning."

"Well, allowing that you are right (cried he), what can you infer from my trying to