Indeed, he was not particularly gracious to Mr.Sponge as it was; but that arose as much from certain dark hints that had worked their way from the servants' hall into 'my lady's chamber' as to our friend's pecuniary resources and prospects.
Jawleyford began to suspect that Sponge might not be quite the great 'catch' he was represented.
Beyond, however, putting a few searching questions--which Mr.Sponge skilfully parried--advising his daughters to be cautious, lessening the number of lights, and lowering the scale of his entertainments generally, Mr.Jawleyford did not take any decided step in the matter.

Mr.Spraggon comforted Lord Scamperdale with the assurance that Amelia had no idea of Sponge, who he made no doubt would very soon be out of the country--and his lordship went to church and prayed most devoutly for him to go..