As Mr Primrose by his lucid, ready, and intelligent answers to Miss Spoonbill’s multitudinous questions concerning Oriental affairs gave great satisfaction to the lady, she felt grateful to the new inhabitant of Smatterton for the information which had been given; and, in order to shew her gratitude, was pleased to administer to Mr Primrose a large quantity of gratuitous advice, touching the destiny and disposal of his only child. It was distinctly and strongly in Miss Spoonbill’s recollection that there had been a time, and that not far back, when it was thought desirable by the friends of Miss Primrose to seek out for her some occupation or employment. Now Miss Spoonbill had no knowledge whatever of the circumstances under which Mr Primrose had returned to England, nor had she any thought whatever on the subject, but she took it for granted that the father could not be less anxious to dispose of the young lady in some situation than the uncle and aunt had been, therefore with most considerate condescension did Miss Spoonbill discourse to Mr Primrose on the importance of giving the young lady an occupation. But this conversation was not audible to the whole party, and unfortunately the part which Mr Primrose took in it was not audible even to Miss Spoonbill herself; for the lady’s hearing was not very good, and Mr Primrose had such an awkward and confused manner of whispering that he was hardly intelligible. And such was the fertility of Miss Spoonbill’s imagination, that it supplied all the deficiencies hearing or apprehension. “And so, Mr Primrose,” gently and lowly said Miss Spoonbill, “you have not found a situation for your daughter yet?” “I thank you, madam,” replied Mr Primrose, “but there is no occasion for it.” “Oh yes, certainly,” said Miss Spoonbill, “I think you were perfectly right. I by no means approve of the profession of a public singer. But I am sure my cousin Lord Smatterton, or his amiable Countess, might find some more suitable employment. I will write to them myself. They are very benevolent people, but they need to be reminded now and then.” “I beg, madam,” returned Mr Primrose, “that you will not by any means think of giving yourself that trouble; I have it in my power to provide for my daughter.” “Say nothing about the trouble, Mr Primrose,” continued Miss Spoonbill; “I insist upon writing myself, and I think I have some influence with the Earl and Countess. I assure you, Mr Primrose, I entertain a very great regard for your daughter.” Mr Primrose took all the pains he could to make the lady understand him, but it was not pleasant for him to speak out loud in the audience of all the party, and therefore he let the subject drop as quietly as he could, resolving to take the first opportunity of explaining himself more distinctly and audibly than he could when within hearing of his daughter and many others. CHAPTER IV.