"Well, madam," replied the captain, "I will be candid with you; I do not think that a clever girl like Miss Amelia is likely to be happy as the wife of my good friend Mr Flat--still there is nothing against his character, madam; I believe him harmless--very harmless." "He's a very fine-looking young man, Captain Bridgeman." "Yes; nothing to be found fault with in his appearance." "Very good-natured." "Yes; he's not very quick in temper, or anything else; he's what we call a slow-coach." "I hear he's a very correct officer, Captain Bridgeman." "Yes; I am not aware that he has ever been under an arrest." "Well, we cannot expect everything in this world; he is handsome, good-tempered, and a good officer--I cannot see why Amelia does not like him, particularly as her affections are not otherwise engaged. I am satisfied with the answer you have given, Captain Bridgeman, and now I shall point out to Amelia that I expect she will make up her mind to accept Mr Flat." Here Captain Bridgeman hesitated. "Indeed, madam, if her affections are not otherwise engaged--I say--are not engaged, madam, I do not think she could do better. Would, you like me to sound Miss Amelia on the subject?" "Really, Captain Bridgeman, it is very kind of you; you may, perhaps, persuade her to listen to your friend Mr Flat." "I will, at all events, ascertain her real sentiments, madam," said the captain, rising; "and, if you please, I will say farewell for the present." As my grandmother anticipated, the scale, which had been so long balanced by Captain Bridgeman, was weighed down in favour of marriage by the death of my father Ben, and the unexpected fortune of 4,000 pounds. The next day the captain proposed and was accepted, and six weeks from that date my aunt Milly became his wife. The wedding was very gay: some people did sneer at the match, but where was there ever a match without a sneer? There are always and everywhere people to be found who will envy the happiness of others. Some talked about the private marine; this attack was met with the 4,000 pounds (or rather 8,000 pounds per annum, for rumour, as usual, had doubled the sum); others talked of the shop as _infra dig_; the set-off against which was, the education and beauty of the bride. One or two subs' wives declared that they would not visit Mrs Bridgeman; but when the colonel and his lady called to congratulate the new-married couple, and invited a large party in their own house to meet them, then then subs' wives left their cards as soon as they could.