She possesses, in fact, a good deal of her unworthy father's determination and obstinacy.

Urge her with too much vehemence, and she will resist; try to accelerate her pace, and she will stand still; but leave her to herself, to the natural and reasonable suggestions of her excellent sense, and you will get her to do anything." "That is but a very indifferent character you bestow upon your daughter, Sir Thomas," replied his lordship--"I trust she deserves a better one at your hands." "Why, my lord," replied the baronet, smiling after his own peculiar fashion, that is to say, with a kind of bitter sarcasm, "I have as good a right, I think, to exaggerate the failings of my daughter as you have to magnify those of your son.

But a truce to this, and to be serious: I know the girl; you know, besides, something about women yourself, my lord, and I need not say that it is unwise to rely upon the moods and meditations of a young lady before marriage.

Upon the prospect of such an important change in their position, the best of them will assume a great deal.

The period constitutes the last limited portion of their freedom; and, of course, all the caprices of the heart, and all the giddy ebullitions of gratified vanity, manifest themselves so strangely, that it is extremely difficult to understand them, or know their wishes.
Under such circumstances, my lord, they will, in the very levity of delight, frequently say 'no,' when they mean 'yes,' and vice versa." "Sir Thomas," replied his lordship, gravely, "marriage, instead of being the close, should be the commencement, of their happiness.