Be this, said I, the result--Mr. Beauchamp comes over. He will be
pleased with whatever you do: at your feet, madam, he shall acknowledge
your favour: My home shall be his, if you permit it: On me, he shall
confer obligations; from you, he shall receive them. If any
considerations of family prudence (there are such, and very just ones)
restrain you from allowing him, at present, what your generosity would
wish to do--
Lady Beauchamp's colour was heightened: She interrupted me--We are not,
Sir Charles, so scanty in our fortune--
Well, my dear Lady Beauchamp, be all that as you will: not one retrospect
of the past--
Yes, Sir Charles, but there shall: his allowance has been lessened for
some years; not from considerations of family prudence--But--Well, 'tis
all at an end, proceeded she--When the young man returns, you, Sir Harry,
for my sake, and for the sake of this strange unaccountable creature,
shall pay him the whole arrear.
Now, my dear Lady Beauchamp, said I, listing her hand to my lips, permit
me to give you joy. All doubts and misgivings so triumphantly got over,
so solid a foundation laid for family harmony--What was the moment of
your nuptials to this? Sir Harry, I congratulate you: you may, and I
believe you have been, as happy as most men; but now, you will be still
happier.
Indeed, Sir Harry, said she, you provoked me in the morning: I should not
else--
Sir Harry owned himself to blame; and thus the lady's pride was set down
softly.
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