Of course he expected Sophia and Charlotte to marry, but not just yet.

He had so far persistently postponed the consideration of this subject, and he was angry at Stephen Latrigg for showing him that further delay might be dangerous to his own plans.
"A presumptuous young coxcomb," he muttered.

"Does he think that being 'top-shearer' gives him a right to make love to Charlotte Sandal ?" In the morning he wrote the following letter:-- NEPHEW JULIUS SANDAL,--I hear you are at Oxford, and I should think you would wish to make the acquaintance of your nearest relatives.

They will be glad to see you at Seat-Sandal during the vacation, if your liking leads you that way.

To hear soon from you is the hope of your affectionate uncle, WILLIAM SANDAL, _of Sandal-Side_.
He finished the autograph with a broad flourish, and handed the paper to his wife.