"I hope all are well at Hatton," repeated Sir John, surprised by the silence of his companion. Tom Pynsent could only comfortably entertain one idea at a time, and his present idea was exclusively the proposal he intended to make for Julia. The repetition, however, roused him from his embarrassment. "Sir John, I'm come here for a very particular purpose." The plunge was made, and Tom Pynsent's voice and manner recovered their serenity. "I have something to say, Sir John, which I hope will not give offence. I like Miss Julia very much; indeed I love and admire her extremely, and I wish to know if I have your leave to address her?" Lady Wetheral threw looks and smiles at the speaker, which encouraged and delighted the lover; but Sir John was taken by surprise. "Sir, you are--I am, I confess, a very little surprised. You say my daughter _Julia_, sir." "I wish for your consent, Sir John, to address Miss Julia. I have spoken to her, and she did not altogether refuse me, as she laughed very much; but I think it right to speak to you upon the subject, that all things may be above-board." "You are acting honourably and properly, Mr. Pynsent," returned Sir John, holding out his hand, which was seized by the warm-hearted Tom. He continued, "My daughter, Mr. Pynsent, must decide for herself, but, if she finds no reason to decline your proposal, I am quite ready to welcome you as my son-in-law." Lady Wetheral went greater lengths in speech than her husband, for her joy was uncontrollable. "My dear Tom--for now I address you as my future son--my happiness will be perfect, should I ever visit you and my dear Julia at Hatton. It gives me unfeigned pleasure to think Julia has fixed her affections upon an object so truly worthy, and so acceptable to her own family. This is indeed to me a very happy moment." "I will do every thing you wish in the settlement way, Sir John," said the honest-hearted suitor, his face almost purple with gratified feelings. "My father says he will relinquish Hatton to me directly; but I don't mean the governor to quit his own favourite place. Let him keep it for life, you know, for we young ones can move about. He will allow me to make a very handsome settlement upon my wife--any thing you suggest, Sir John." Sir John was pleased by the open-hearted manner and matter, and his heart warmed to Tom Pynsent. "Sir, I wish you well with my daughter, and, if you succeed, we shall easily arrange the necessary form. You have my best wishes, for I like your sentiments, and your father, sir, may be proud of your heart. A good son is a sure promise of an indulgent husband, and I quite approve of your declining to allow your father to quit Hatton, Mr. Pynsent." "Why, Sir John, there is but a right and wrong way of doing things--if a man does right, he goes on very well; and if he does wrong, why, he will be damned for it!"