I can only
say that you have altogether mistaken me if you think that I have
said anything which was intended as an offer of marriage. I cannot
but be much flattered by your good opinion. I have had much
pleasure from our acquaintance, and I should have been glad if it
could have been continued. But I have had no thoughts of marriage.
If I have said a word which has, unintentionally on my part, given
rise to such an idea I can only beg your pardon heartily. If I were
to add more after what I have now said perhaps you would take it as
impertinence.
Yours most sincerely,
Rufford.
He had desired to make various additions and suggestions which
however had all been disallowed by Sir George Penwether. He had
proposed among other things to ask her whether he should keep Jack
for her for the remainder of the season or whether he should send
the horse elsewhere, but Sir George would not allow a word in the
letter about Jack. "You did give her the horse then?" he asked.
"I had hardly any alternative as the things went. She would have
been quite welcome to the horse if she would have let me alone
afterwards."
"No doubt; but when young gentlemen give young ladies horses--"
"I know all about it, my dear fellow. Pray don't preach more than
you can help.
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