I am fully
authorized to make it. Propitious be your silence! There never was,
proceeded I, a treaty of marriage set on foot, that had not its
conveniencies and inconveniencies. My lord is greatly afflicted with the
gout: there is too great a disparity in years. These are the
inconveniencies which are to be considered of for the lady.
On the other hand, if Miss Mansfield can give into the proposal, she will
be received by my lord as a blessing; as one whose acceptance of him will
lay him under an obligation to her. If this proposal could not have been
made with dignity and honour to the lady, it had not come from me.
The conveniencies to yourselves will more properly fall under the
consideration of yourselves and family. One thing only I will suggest,
that an alliance with so rich a man as Lord W----, will make, perhaps,
some people tremble, who now think themselves secure.
But, madam, to the still silent daughter, let not a regard for me bias
you: your family may be sure of my best services, whether my proposal be
received or rejected.
My lord (I must deal sincerely with you) has lived a life of error. He
thinks so himself. I am earnest to have him see the difference, and to
have an opportunity to rejoice with him upon it.
I stopt: but both being still silent, the mother looking on the daughter,
the daughter glancing now and then her conscious eye on the mother, If,
madam, said I, you can give your hand to Lord W----, I will take care,
that settlements shall exceed your expectation.
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