Seeing that she was an only child, and that her father was considered one of the wealthiest squatters in the colony, Captain Wilson had feared that Mr.Hudson would not approve of him as a suitor; and had therefore broached the subject to him, before speaking to her.

Mr.Hudson, however, had raised no objections.
"You have taken a manly and proper course, in speaking to me first," he said; "just what I should have expected from you.

I own that, with the fortune the girl will have some day, I have always looked for her making what they call a good match, and settling down in the old country; but I may tell you that while she has been in Europe she has had several opportunities of so doing, if she would have taken them.

She did not think fit to do so, and I have always made up my mind not to influence her in any way, providing she didn't fix her choice upon one whose character I disapproved.
Certainly I have no reasons for so doing, in the present case.

Your character stands high in the colony; and personally, as you are well aware, I like you exceedingly.
"What Frances' feelings in the matter are, I have no means of knowing.