Such things happen every season, if not on the very marriage day, yet before the honeymoon is over .-- Wealth and freedom would be the lady's, and as much rank as you, sir, supposing your claims just, may think proper to leave them." There was a long pause, during which Tyrrel underwent many changes of countenance, which Jekyl watched carefully, without pressing him for an answer.

At length he replied, "There is much in your proposal, Captain Jekyl, which I might be tempted to accede to, as one manner of unloosing this Gordian knot, and a compromise by which Miss Mowbray's future tranquillity would be in some degree provided for.

But I would rather trust a fanged adder than your friend, unless I saw him fettered by the strongest ties of interest.

Besides, I am certain the unhappy lady could never survive the being connected with him in this manner, though but for the single moment when they should appear together at the altar.
There are other objections"---- He checked himself, paused, and then proceeded in a calm and self-possessed tone.

"You think, perhaps, even yet, that I have some selfish and interested views in this business; and probably you may feel yourself entitled to entertain the same suspicion towards me, which I avowedly harbour respecting every proposition which originates with your friend .-- I cannot help it--I can but meet these disadvantageous impressions with plain dealing and honesty; and it is in the spirit of both that _I_ make a proposition to _you_ .-- Your friend is attached to rank, fortune, and worldly advantages, in the usual proportion, at least, in which they are pursued by men of the world--this you must admit, and I will not offend you by supposing more." "I know few people who do not desire such advantages," answered Captain Jekyl; "and I frankly own, that he affects no particular degree of philosophic indifference respecting them." "Be it so," answered Tyrrel.