Mrs. Vinrace one morning; "here's a mess we are in!" He went on as soon as he found himself alone with his wife. "Would you believe it, I have had Mr. Neville here proposing for our Clara?"
"Impossible! Why he is old enough to be her father!"
"That's just where it is, my dear,—it is perfectly ridiculous."
"How did you answer him?"
"Well, I told him I was quite taken by surprise, but that I could not entertain the idea for a moment. I said that I knew perfectly well that his position and that sort of thing was every way desirable, but that I considered all these advantages were quite overbalanced by the difference of age, and that I should never consider such a marriage as anything but a sacrifice on the part of one so young as Clara. I said it was most unfortunate,—that I regretted exceedingly that such a thing should ever happen, and I begged him not to say anything to Clara, as it would only needlessly distress her. And now, my dear, have I not expressed your sentiments as well as my own?"
"Yes, quite. I think you are acting for the good of our dear child. I hope she will hear nothing of this. But what did he say?"
"He looked exceedingly cloudy and stern, and said it was quite unnecessary to caution him against speaking to Clara, as he should leave to-day for the Mofussil."
"But he was not offended with you?"
"Oh dear, no. He said he could hardly expect me to take a different view, and considered himself presumptuous to entertain the idea. I heartily wish it had never happened. I could say no to half-a-dozen young puppies without the slightest compunction, but such a man as this Neville—confound it!" And the Major sought consolation in a cheroot.
.png)
