His lordship, however, seemed to be in great agitation-of spirits; and Vivian was convinced that his mind must be interested in an extraordinary manner, because he did not, as was his usual practice, digress to fifty impertinent episodes before he came to the point. He only blew his nose sundry times; and then at once said, “I wish to speak to you, Mr. Vivian, about the proposal you did me the honour to make for my daughter Julia. Difficulties have occurred on our side--very extraordinary difficulties--Julia, I understand, has hinted to you, sir, the nature of those difficulties.--Oh, Mr. Vivian,” said Lord Glistonbury, suddenly quitting the constrained voice in which he spoke, and giving way to his natural feelings, “you are a man of honour and feeling, and a father may trust you!----Here’s my girl--a charming girl she is; but knowing nothing of the world--self-willed, romantic, open-hearted, imprudent beyond conception; do not listen to any of the foolish things she says to you. You are a man of sense, you love her, and you are every way suited to her; it is the first wish of my heart--I tell you frankly--to see her your wife: then do not let her childish folly persuade you that her affections are engaged--don’t listen to any such stuff. We all know what the first loves of a girl of sixteen must be--But it’s our fault--my fault, my fault, since they will have it so. I care not whose fault it is; but we have had very improper people about her--very!--very!--But all may be well yet, if you, sir, will be steady, and save her--save her from herself. I would farther suggest----” Lord Glistonbury was going on, probably, to have weakened by amplification the effect of what he had said, when Lady Julia entered the room; and, advancing with dignified determination of manner, said, “I have your commands, father, that I should see Mr. Vivian again:--I obey.” “That is right--that is my darling Julia; I always knew she would justify my high opinion of her.” Lord Glistonbury attempted to draw her towards him fondly; but, with an unaltered manner, that seemed as if she suppressed strong emotion, she answered, “I do not deserve your caresses, father; do not oppress me with praise that I cannot merit: I wish to speak to Mr. Vivian without control and without witness.” Lord Glistonbury rose; and growing red and almost inarticulate with anger, exclaimed, “Remember, Julia! remember, Lady Julia Lidhurst! that if you say what you said you would say, and what I said you should not say--I--Lord Glistonbury, your father--I, as well as all the rest of your family, utterly disclaim and cast you off for ever!--You’ll be a thing without fortune--without friends--without a name--without a being in the world--Lady Julia Lidhurst!”