It would be against all the traditions." "Surely Lady Belstone, at least, must be less absurdly narrow-minded," said John, almost impatiently.
"Shall I tell you the history of her marriage ?" said Lady Mary.
Her pretty laugh rang out softly in the darkness, and thrilled John's heart, and shocked yet further the old ladies who sat within, straining their ears for the sound of returning footsteps.
"It took place about forty years ago or less.

A cousin of her mother's, Sir William Belstone, came to spend a few days here.

I believe the poor man invited himself, because he happened to be staying in the neighbourhood.

He was a gallant old sailor, and very polite to both his cousins; and one day Isabella interpreted his compliments into a proposal of marriage.

Georgina has given me to understand that no one was ever more astounded and terrified than the admiral when he found himself engaged to Isabella.