As for me, I would have escaped the match if I could; but no matter, it was all for the best, although neither of us anticipated as much.

Alice, my child, think of what we have said to you; reflect upon it.

Our object is to make you happy; our experience of life is much greater than yours.

Don't reply to us now; we will give you a reasonable time to think of it.
Consider that you will add to your mother's happiness and mine by consenting to such an unobjectionable match.

This young man will, of course, inherit his uncle's property; he will elevate you in life; he is handsome, accomplished, and evidently knows the world, and you can look up to him as a husband of whom you will have a just right to feel proud.
Allow the young man to visit you; study him as closely as you may; but above all things do not cherish an unfounded antipathy against him or any one." Several interviews took place afterwards between Alice and Henry Woodward; and after each interview her parents sought her opinion of him, and desired to know whether she was beginning to think more favorably of him than she had hitherto done.