end of his self-congratulations, and then asked him if he knew
where the deed was.

'I know--that is, I think--I believe I can recover it. In such
cases custodiers have sometimes made a charge.'

'We won't differ as to that, sir,' said the Colonel, taking out
his pocket-book.

'But, my dear sir, you take me so very short. I said SOME PERSONS
MIGHT make such a claim, I mean for payment of the expenses of the
deed, trouble in the affair, etc. But I, for my own part, only
wish Miss Bertram and her friends to be satisfied that I am acting
towards her with honour. There's the paper, sir! It would have
been a satisfaction to me to have delivered it into Miss Bertram's
own hands, and to have wished her joy of the prospects which it
opens. But, since her prejudices on the subject are invincible, it
only remains for me to transmit her my best wishes through you,
Colonel Mannering, and to express that I shall willingly give my
testimony in support of that deed when I shall be called upon. I
have the honour to wish you a good morning, sir.'

This parting speech was so well got up, and had so much the tone
of conscious integrity unjustly suspected, that even Colonel
Mannering was staggered in his bad opinion. He followed him two or
three steps, and took leave of him with more politeness (though
still cold and formal) than he had paid during his visit. Glossin
left the house half pleased with the impression he had made, half
mortified by the stern caution and proud reluctance with which he
had been received. 'Colonel Mannering might have had more