Our first course of action is to make Mr. Noel Vanstone
feel the charm of your society. Our next is to drive him distracted by
the loss of it. I should have proposed a few more meetings, with a view
to furthering this end, but for our present critical position toward
Mrs. Lecount. As it is, we must trust to the effect you produced
yesterday, and try the experiment of a sudden separation rather sooner
than I could have otherwise wished. I shall see Mr. Noel Vanstone,
though you don't; and if there _is_ a raw place established anywhere
about the region of that gentleman's heart, trust me to hit him on it!
You are now in full possession of my views. Take your time to consider,
and give me your answer--Yes or no."
"Any change is for the better," said Magdalen "which keeps me out of the
company of Mrs. Lecount and her master! Let it be as you wish."
She had hitherto answered faintly and wearily; but she spoke those last
words with a heightened tone and a rising color--signs which warned
Captain Wragge not to press her further.
"Very good," said the captain. "As usual, we understand each other. I
see you are tired; and I won't detain you any longer.
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