Indeed, I believe she will not put herself to the expense of taking me up to London again, unless I surrender: she cannot afford to take me to town for pleasure and nonsense, she says, and it is not every rich gentleman that will consent to take me without a fortune, whatever exalted ideas I may have of my own attractions.' 'Well, Esther, I pity you; but still, I repeat, stand firm.

You might as well sell yourself to slavery at once, as marry a man you dislike.

If your mother and brother are unkind to you, you may leave them, but remember you are bound to your husband for life.' 'But I cannot leave them unless I get married, and I cannot get married if nobody sees me.

I saw one or two gentlemen in London that I might have liked, but they were younger sons, and mamma would not let me get to know them--one especially, who I believe rather liked me--but she threw every possible obstacle in the way of our better acquaintance.

Wasn't it provoking ?' 'I have no doubt you would feel it so, but it is possible that if you married him, you might have more reason to regret it hereafter than if you married Mr.Oldfield.