A fortnight ago I was only thinking whether she would accept me when I asked her,--wondering whether I was too old for her, and whether she would mind having Edith to take care of." "She is very fond of Edith,--very fond indeed." "Is she ?" said the major, more distracted than ever.

Why should he not do the magnificent thing after all?
"But it is a great charge for a young girl when she marries." "It is a great charge;--a very great charge.

It is for you to think whether you should entrust so great a charge to one so young." "I have no fear about that at all." "Nor should I have any,--as you ask me.

We have known Grace well, thoroughly, and are quite sure that she will do her duty in that state of life to which it may please God to call her." The major was aware when this was said to him that he had not come to Miss Prettyman for a character of the girl he loved; and yet he was not angry at receiving it.

He was neither angry, nor even indifferent.