Finding that Penelope returned no answer to his protestations of attachment, and that she did not withdraw her hand from his grasp, his lordship proceeded to urge his suit in the common language adapted for such occasions as the present, and used by such persons as his lordship. Penelope, fancying that she was about to give her consent to become Lady Spoonbill, prefaced that consent by expressing her fears that the Earl and Countess of Smatterton would look down, with disapprobation at least, on one so humble and portionless. To obviate this objection his lordship, who did not, or who would not see the misapprehension of the young lady, observed that the Earl and Countess need not know anything of the arrangement. "But how is that possible?" inquired Penelope in the simplicity of her heart. In explaining that possibility his lordship also explained the object which he had in view in making a declaration of his attachment. Now Penelope, who had been brought up under the roof and instruction of Dr Greendale, and who knew no more of the world than the world knew of her, was not able immediately and readily to comprehend his lordship's meaning, and when she did comprehend it, she was shocked and astonished at it; her pride also, of which she possessed constitutionally an abundant share, took alarm at the indignity, and she would, but for the utter depression of her spirits, have resented the insult loudly and contemptuously. As it was, her only resource was in a copious flood of silent tears, and when her paroxysm of anguish was somewhat abated, so that she could find utterance for words, she said: "My Lord Spoonbill, let me request you to leave me. My father will soon return, and if he should learn what has passed, I cannot answer for the consequences." The Right Honorable Lord Spoonbill began to discern symptoms of a horsewhipping, and having acted dishonorably, he looked foolishly. It was not generous to attempt to take advantage of the misfortunes of Mr Primrose, and the destitute condition of Penelope. But there was in his lordship's heart so great a regard for Penelope, that he resolved at all events to make her his own, and that if marriage was the only condition, he would offer her marriage. With this view he stammered out something which he intended as an apology, and endeavoured, as well as he could, to unsay all that he had said concerning the humiliating arrangement which he had at first proposed; but Penelope heard him not, or if hearing, heeded him not.