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180
Mrs. Smith said nothing.
"But," continued Anne, presently, "though there is no truth in my having this claim on Mr. Elliot, I should be extremely happy to be of use to you, in any way that I could. Shall I mention to him your being in Bath? Shall I take any message?"
"No, I thank you: no, certainly not. In the warmth of the moment, and under a mistaken impression, I might, perhaps, have endeavoured to interest you in some circumstances. But not now: no, I thank you, I have nothing to trouble you with."
"I think you spoke of having known Mr. Elliot many years?"
"I did."
"Not before he married, I suppose?"
"Yes; he was not married when I knew him first."
"And—were you much acquainted?"
