The answer returned was in the negative. Magdalen requested that the
subject on which she was asked to decide might be mentioned to her in
writing. She engaged to reply in the same way, on the understanding that
Mrs. Wragge, and not the servant, should be employed to deliver the note
and to take back the answer.
Captain Wragge forthwith opened his paper-case and wrote these lines:
"Accept my warmest congratulations on the result of your interview
with Mr. N. V. He is coming again at two o'clock--no doubt to make his
proposals in due form. The question to decide is, whether I shall press
him or not on the subject of settlements. The considerations for your
own mind are two in number. First, whether the said pressure (without at
all underrating your influence over him) may not squeeze for a long
time before it squeezes money out of Mr. N. V. Secondly, whether we are
altogether justified--considering our present position toward a certain
sharp practitioner in petticoats--in running the risk of delay. Consider
these points, and let me have your decision as soon as convenient."
The answer returned to this note was written in crooked, blotted
characters, strangely unlike Magdalen's usually firm and clear
handwriting.
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