Miss Merton herself is a shrewd, worldly girl; and if she were of our sex would make a capital fortune-hunter.

Don't think my fear is selfish; I do not speak for myself.

If I were Evelyn's brother, I should be yet more earnest in my remonstrance." "But, Lord Vargrave, poor Evelyn is dull here; my spirits infect hers.
She ought to mix more with those of her own age, to see more of the world before--before--" "Before her marriage with me?
Forgive me, but is not that my affair?
If I am contented, nay, charmed with her innocence, if I prefer it to all the arts which society could teach her, surely you would be acquitted for leaving her in the beautiful simplicity that makes her chief fascination?
She will see enough of the world as Lady Vargrave." "But if she should resolve never to be Lady Vargrave-- ?" Lumley started, bit his lip, and frowned.

Lady Vargrave had never before seen on his countenance the dark expression it now wore.

He recollected and recovered himself, as he observed her eye fixed upon him, and said, with a constrained smile,-- "Can you anticipate an event so fatal to my happiness, so unforeseen, so opposed to all my poor uncle's wishes, as Evelyn's rejection of a suit pursued for years, and so solemnly sanctioned in her very childhood ?" "She must decide for herself," said Lady Vargrave.