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at least with which she has received my devoted attentions, I might fairly have supposed that a short time would have sufficed for the ceremony of consideration.

I believe, Baron, that ceremony, as you are pleased to term it, has been gone through already. At least, I believe, this billet which she desired me to put into your own hands, along with this case of jewels, will convince you that further consideration were needless. I was just going to your house to deliver them to you.

What does she mean? return my present!

The letter will, no doubt, explain it.

"Only friendship to return for all.—Pleasure in your society as a neighbour and a kinsman.—Beg of you to accept my grateful acknowledgments." What is all this? Would she prolong the fooling of attendance another half year? Let her beware how she sports with devoted affection like mine. (Walks to and fro somewhat disturbed, then returns to .) I understand all this well enough. Let me find her in her own apartment.