Mrs.Proudie had given in her adherence.

Mr.Supplehouse had been made to understand that it must be a case of "Paws off" with him, as long as he remained in that part of the world; and even the duke himself had desired Fothergill to manage it.
"He owes me an enormous sum of money," said the duke, who held all Mr.Sowerby's title-deeds, "and I doubt whether the security will be sufficient." "Your grace will find the security quite sufficient," said Mr.
Fothergill; "but nevertheless it would be a good match." "Very good," said the duke.

And then it became Mr.Fothergill's duty to see that Mr.Sowerby and Miss Dunstable became man and wife as speedily as possible.

Some of the party, who were more wide awake than others, declared that he had made the offer; others, that he was just going to do so; and one very knowing lady went so far at one time as to say that he was making it at that moment.

Bets also were laid as to the lady's answer, as to the terms of the settlement, and as to the period of the marriage--of all which poor Miss Dunstable of course knew nothing.