"Improbable!" exclaimed Mr. Glentworth; "what is there improbable in affection and gratitude?"
"I really," returned the other with a sneer, "cannot agree about probabilities or improbabilities, but I know what the generality will think when they see a gentleman constantly with five very pretty girls, and I also know what they will say."
"It is amazing to me," said Mr. Glentworth, "that your acquaintances should give themselves so much trouble to settle those affairs in which they precisely have the least concern."
"Suppose, as you have nothing better to do," cried Lady Anne, who was getting angry that the conversation held out no prospect of what she would have considered a satisfactory termination, "you set about reforming society altogether; but, till you succeed, you excuse me for not setting its opinions at defiance; and, I must say, that as you do not mean to marry one of the girls yourself, it is very hard that you should stand in the way of those who might."
"I am, therefore," said Mr. Glentworth, rising from his seat, "to consider it your wish that our acquaintance should terminate?"
"By no means," exclaimed Lady Anne, who began to be a little alarmed at what she had done, and who saw presents and legacies in the act of disappearing for ever. "I am sure that we have all the most sincere regard for you, and are delighted to see you; but we must have some little regard for the opinions of the world."
