It must be explained also that there was another motive for this English rural sojourn.

Lady Augustus Trefoil, who was an adventurous lady, had been travelling in the United States with her daughter, and had there fallen in with Mr.
John Morton.

Arabella Trefoil was a beauty, and a woman of fashion, and had captivated the Paragon.

An engagement had been made, subject to various stipulations; the consent of Lord Augustus in the first place,--as to which John Morton who only understood foreign affairs was not aware, as he would have been had he lived in England, that Lord Augustus was nobody.

Lady Augustus had spoken freely as to settlements, value of property, life insurance and such matters; and had spoken firmly, as well as freely, expressing doubt as to the expediency of such an engagement;--all of which had surprised Mr.
Morton considerably, for the young lady had at first been left in his hands with almost American freedom.