Every body knows not that my girls can bend to their
condition; and they must be contented to live single all their lives; and
so they will choose to do, rather than not marry creditably, and with
some prospect.
I then opened my mind fully to her. She was agreeably surprised: but
who, sir, said she, would expect such a proposal from the next heir to
Lord W----?
I made known to her how much in earnest I was in this proposal, as well
for my lord's sake, as for the young lady's. I will take care, madam,
said I, that Miss Mansfield, if she will consent to make Lord W----
happy, shall have very handsome settlements, and such an allowance for
pin-money, as shall enable her to gratify every moderate, every
reasonable, wish of her heart.
Was it possible, she asked, for such an affair to be brought about?
Would my lord--There she stopt.
I said, I would be answerable for him: and desired her to break the
matter to her daughter directly.
I left Lady Mansfield, and joined the brothers, who were with their two
sisters; and soon after Miss Mansfield was sent for by her mother.
After they had been a little while together, my Lady Mansfield sent to
speak with me. They were both silent when I came in. The mother was at
a loss what to say: the daughter was in still greater confusion.
I addressed myself to the mother. You have, I perceive, madam,
acquainted Miss Mansfield with the proposal I made to you.
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