Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 2).pdf/217

 Not to interrupt him, she took up some needle-work; but, upon looking, soon after, at the chimney-piece, she missed the packet which she had placed there, of her bills, and then with the utmost surprise, perceived that it was in his hands.

She waited a few instants, in expectation that he would either put it down, or make some excuse for his curiosity; but he seemed to think of nothing less. He sorted and counted the bills, and began casting them up.

"Have you then the goodness, Sir," said Ellis, "to prepare yourself for acquainting Miss Arbe with the state of my affairs?"

He started again at this question, and looked a little scared; but, after a minute's perplexity, he suddenly arose, and hastily refolding, and placing them upon the chimney-piece, said, with a good deal of confusion, "I beg your pardon a thousand times! I don't well know how this happened; but the