it the subject of so much wonder.

It is no subject of wonder to me. Your inferiors in understanding I
know would not act like you; but the weak do not give law to the
strong. I own that I have been dull enough, unjust enough, not to
suspect your true motive for refusing, as you have done lately, to
accompany us to public places. But this is a heavy penalty on you which
an act of virtue ought not to incur.

If it be a penalty, madam, I am sure it is one which you have too much
generosity to wish to deprive me of the pleasure of paying.

I understand your hint: but I am not so generous as you think me; for I
am determined, and you know what a positive girl I am, to share both
the penalty and the enjoyment with you.

I beg your pardon, madam, but that cannot be.

Oh! But, in spite of your serious and very emphatical air, it must be.

Excuse me, madam. I am certain you have too high a sense of justice to
impose laws to which you yourself would not submit.

Very true. Prove me that and I am answered. Nay, so confident am I of
the goodness of my cause, that I will not require you to take up this
[Laying down another bank note, of equal value with the former.] unless
I can on the contrary prove it to be nothing but false pride, or
mistake, which can induce you to refuse. You perceive, Frank, I am not
afraid of offending you by speaking the plain truth. Pray tell me, when
you saw the worthy couple whom you relieved in distress, had you