drawn, it was so evident that the nobleman had not got his own consent to the vague something floating in his "mind's eye," that he left her in the dark as to his wishes and intentions beyond the belief that he was determined to seek, in the matrimonial state, that happiness which had hitherto eluded his pursuit, "but that her charming family could alone supply a female suited to his fastidious taste; it was to him a great trouble that he had never till now been aware that the world contained such treasures. Glentworth was, undoubtedly, the happiest of men."
"Had Mary been at home, I do really think the marquess would have made her an offer—as he has never seen her, he may be thinking of Helen: it was evident, he admired Louisa, who did look very well last night; surely, he cannot be thinking of Georgiana, who is growing very like her, but is so mere a child. Yet, I have been told that old bachelors are fond of young girls, under the idea that they can manage them the best, and they may be right. The marquess has been a fine man, and he wears well; but yet, the world would call such a match preposterous, and blame me; whereas, there would be nothing to remark if he took Mary. By the way, Lord Allerton looks nearly as ill as she does, and his wife is at once a flirt and a vixen, yet by no means happy; she wore rouge last night, I am confident; it is taking to art very early in life, and proves something is wrong. Be it so; she brought misery enough on me and mine."
