Ralph had been so rapid, so energetic, and withal so reasonable, that Sir Thomas, at this period of the interview, was unable to refer to any of his prophecies. What advice was he to give? Should he adjure this young man not to marry the breeches-maker's daughter because of the blood of the Newtons and the expected estate, or were he to do so even on the score of education and general unfitness, he must suggest some other mode or means of living. But how could he advise the future Newton of Newton Priory to marry Polly Neefit? The Newtons had been at Newton Priory for centuries, and the men Newtons had always married ladies, as the women Newtons had always either married gentlemen or remained unmarried. Sir Thomas, too, was of his nature, and by all his convictions, opposed to such matches. "You have hardly realised," said he, "what it would be to have such a father-in-law and such a mother-in-law;--or probably such a wife." "Yes, I have. I have realised all that." "Of course, if you have made up your mind--" "But I have not made up my mind, Sir Thomas. I must make it up before eleven o'clock to-morrow morning, because I must then be with Neefit,--by appointment. At this moment I am so much in doubt that I am almost inclined to toss up." "I would sooner cut my throat!" said Sir Thomas, forgetting his wisdom amidst the perplexities of his position. "Not quite that, Sir Thomas. I suppose you mean to say that anything would be better than such a marriage?" "I don't suppose you care for the girl," said Sir Thomas, crossly. "I do not feel uneasy on that score. If I did not like her, and think that I could love her, I would have nothing to do with it. She herself is charming,--though I should lie if I were to say that she were a lady." "And the father offered her to you?" "Most distinctly,--and named the fortune." "Knowing your own condition as to money?" "Almost exactly;--so much so that I do not doubt he will go on with it when he knows everything. He had heard about my uncle's property, and complimented me by saying that I am a,--gentleman." "He does not deserve to have a daughter," said Sir Thomas. "I don't know about that. According to his lights, he means to do the best he can for her. And, indeed, I think myself that he might do worse. She will probably become Mrs. Newton of Newton Priory if she marries me; and the investment of Neefit's twenty thousand pounds won't be so bad." "Nothing on earth can make her a lady." "I'm not so sure of that," said Ralph. "Nothing on earth can make her mother a lady; but of Polly I should have hopes. You, however, are against it?" "Certainly." "Then what ought I to do?" Sir Thomas rubbed the calf of his leg and was silent. "The only advice you have given me hitherto was to cut my throat," said Ralph. "No, I didn't. I don't know what you're to do. You've ruined yourself;--that's all."