family have been long persuading me to marry. But never did I indulge in such an inclination, for never did I see the female who could fix my roving thoughts. Yesterday I saw her! yes, I have now seen her! It is the young lady who resides in your house, who, from the first moment I beheld her, showed me the object, the only object my soul can ever pant after, to crown its wishes and desires with success. Can you, will you, be so obliging as to—as to speak in my behalf to herself and family, for which I shall be your debtor to all eternity?"
"Sir," replied Mrs. Herbert, proudly drawing herself up, "that young lady has a mind above being caught by sudden impressions; her favourable estimation is not to be gained but by a long intimacy with, and knowledge of, the character who addresses her. Moreover, her parents would not consent to part with her to any who could not bestow on her a handsome settlement."
Harcourt, who was as liberal in temper, as he was nice in discrimination, felt for a moment piqued at the remark; but as it proceeded from one whose ideas of delicacy and of good breeding he might suppose circumscribed, he rejoined: "On such a score I have nothing to dread; my resources are ample, and more than abundant to
