“Yes; he was not married when I knew him first.”

“And--were you much acquainted?”

“Intimately.”

“Indeed!

Then do tell me what he was at that time of life. I have a great curiosity to know what Mr Elliot was as a very young man. Was he at all such as he appears now?”

“I have not seen Mr Elliot these three years,” was Mrs Smith's answer, given so gravely that it was impossible to pursue the subject farther; and Anne felt that she had gained nothing but an increase of curiosity. They were both silent: Mrs Smith very thoughtful. At last--

“I beg your pardon, my dear Miss Elliot,” she cried, in her natural tone of cordiality,