“Not actually proposed, because I would not let him; for I should have hated to have had such an unfashionable-looking woman for my sister-in-law. I never could have borne to go into public with her, you know: so I plagued my brother out of it; and luckily he found out that her jointure is not half so great as it was said to be.” “I could have told him that. Mrs. Dutton’s jointure is nothing nearly so large as mine was, even before the addition to it which my son so handsomely, and indeed unexpectedly, made to it this morning. And did I tell you, my dear? Mr. Palmer, this day, has been so kind as to leave me all his immense fortune for my own life. But don’t mention it, lest it should get round, and make ill-will: the Walsinghams know nothing of it. But to return to your poor brother--if I could any way serve him with Mrs. Dutton?” “La! he’d never think of her more--and I’m sure I would not have him.” “You dear little saucy creature! indeed I cannot wonder that you don’t like the thoughts of Mrs. Dutton for a _chaperon_ in town.” “Oh, horrid! horrid!” “And yet, would you condemn your poor brother to be an old bachelor, after this disappointment with Amelia?” “La, ma’am, can’t he marry any body but Mrs. Dutton?” “I wish I could think of any person would suit him. Can you?’ “Oh, I know very well who I think would suit him, and one I like to go into public with of all things.” “Who?” “And one who has promised to present me at court next winter.” “My dearest child! is it possible that you mean me?” “I do;--and why not?” “Why not! My sweet love, do you consider my age?” “But you look so young.” “To be sure Mrs. Dutton looks older, and is older; but I could not bring myself, especially after being a widow so long, to think of marrying a young man--to be sure, your brother is not what one should call a very young man.” “Dear, no; you don’t look above three, or four, or five years older than he does; and in public, and with dress, and rouge, and fashion, and all that, I think it would do vastly well, and nobody would think it odd at all. There’s Lady ----, is not she ten years older than Lord ----? and every body says that’s nothing, and that she gives the most delightful parties. Oh, I declare, dearest Mrs. Beaumont, you must and shall marry my brother, and that’s the only way to make him amends, and prevent mischief between the gentlemen; the only way to settle every thing charmingly--and I shall so like it--and I’m so proud of its being my plan! I vow, I’ll go and write to my brother this minute, and--” “Stay, you dear mad creature; only consider what you are about.” “Consider! I have considered, and I must and will have my own way,” said the dear mad creature, struggling with Mrs. Beaumont, who detained her with an earnest hand. “My love,” said she, “I positively cannot let you use my name in such a strange way. If your brother or the world should think I had any share in the transaction, it would be so indelicate.”