OXONIAN (stammer, as on a former occasion, respectfully omitted). "With this defect, ma'am! But to the point. Some days ago I happened to fall in with an elderly person, such as is described, with a very pretty female child and a French dog. The man—gentleman, perhaps I may call him, judging from his conversation—interested me much; so did the little girl. And if I could be the means of directing real friends anxious to serve them—"
Mrs. CRANE. "You would indeed be a benefactor. And where are they now, sir?"
OXONIAN. "That I cannot positively tell you. But before I say more, will you kindly satisfy my curiosity? He is perhaps an eccentric person,—this Mr. Waife?—a little—" The Oxonian stopped, and touched his forehead. Mrs. Crane made no prompt reply: she was musing. Unwarily the scholar continued: "Because, in that case, I should not like to interfere."
MRS. CRANE. "Quite right, sir. His own friends would not interfere with his roving ways, his little whims on any account. Poor man, why should they? He has no property for them to covet. But it is a long story. I had the care of that dear little girl from her infancy, sweet child!"
OXONIAN. "So she seems."
MRS. CRANE. "And now she has a most comfortable home provided for her; and a young girl, with good friends, ought not to be tramping about the country, whatever an old man may do. You must allow that, sir?"
OXONIAN. "Well,—yes, I allow that; it occurred to me. But what is the man?—the gentleman?"
MRS. CRANE. "Very 'eccentric,' as you say, and inconsiderate, perhaps, as to the little girl. We will not call it insane, sir. But—are you married?"
OXONIAN (blushing). "No, ma'am."
MRS. CRANE. "But you have a sister, perhaps?"
OXONIAN. "Yes; I have one sister."
MRS. CRANE. "Would you like your sister to be running about the country that way,—carried off from her home, kindred, and friends?"
OXONIAN. "Ah! I understand. The poor little girl is fond of the old man,—a relation, grandfather perhaps? and he has taken her from her home; and though not actually insane, he is still—"
