I could prove this by many instances, even within your knowledge and mine.

Why, then, exclude his lordship from the benefit of a contingency, to speak the least, which we know falls out happily in so many instances ?" "You mean you could prove the probability of it, my dear baronet; for, at present, the case is not susceptible of proof.

What you say may be true; but, on the other hand, it may not; and, in the event of his marrying without the post-matrimonial reformation you speak of, what becomes of your daughter's happiness ?" "Nay, I know generous Dunroe so well, my lord, that I would not, even as Lucy's father, hesitate a moment to run the risk." "But what says Lucy herself?
And how does she stand affected toward him?
For that is the main point.

This matter, you know, was spoken over some few years ago, and conditionally approved of by us both; but my son was then very young, and had not plunged into that course of unjustifiable extravagance and profligacy which, to my cost, has disgraced his latter years.

I scorn to veil his conduct, baronet, for it would be dishonorable under the circumstances between us, and I trust you will be equally candid in detailing to me the sentiments of your daughter on the subject." "My lord, I shall unquestionably do so; but Lucy, you must know, is a girl of a very peculiar disposition.