It would savour somewhat of repetition, and simply bore you, if all the conversation that ensued were given in detail. "My lady's" line was perfect frankness and candour. She alluded pleasantly to the great matrimonial fortunes that she had projected for Helen, and confessed--pleasantly, too--her conviction that the alliance now contemplated was perfectly imprudent, and in a worldly point of view altogether undesirable; she dilated rather more at length on the affection for Alan, indulgence to Helen, &c. &c., which induced the parents to overlook all such objections, and to give their conditional consent; but even on this point she was not oratorical or prosy. Nevertheless her hearer was quite aware that there was some more serious obstacle kept in the background; all these preliminary observations were so many shots to try the distance; the battery did not take him by surprise when it opened in earnest. "Alan, I know it must bore you, now that Helen has come down stairs, to be obliged to listen to _Madame Mère_; it is very good of you not to show it: be patient a little longer. I must make you look at one side of the question that has escaped you, so far, I think; it is so important to the happiness of both of you that you should see your way clearly. I am not much afraid of your getting into difficulties again, your lesson has been sharp enough to cure you of extravagance; but there are embarrassments worse than any financial ones, which are only tiresome and annoying, after all. My dear nephew--has it occurred to you yet, that in changing your _vie de garçon_, you will have to economize in more ways than one, and wear some chains, though they may be light and silken?" "I've hardly had time to realize the position, Aunt Mildred," Wyverne answered, "but I am conscious of a perfect flower-show of good resolutions, budding and blossoming already. While I was dressing, I was considering how I could best get rid of my hunters, and I have almost decided where to place them." "You are too eager in beginning self-denial," Lady Mildred said; "perhaps it will not be necessary to part with your horses _this_ season. But you must settle your future establishment with Helen and your uncle. _I_ was thinking of some other favourite pursuits of yours--of handsomer and more dangerous creatures than Red Lancer--though I suppose he is a picture of a horse, and it always makes me shiver to see him rear. Yon may be angry with me, and call me prudish or puritanical if you like; but I _must_ say it. Alan--do you know that I consider you the most confirmed and incorrigible flirt of my acquaintance?"