"Oh, my love, unspeakable advantages. He is a man of rank and large fortune, two very considerable advantages, and, if his health is not very good, it may improve; and, as to his mind, he may not be extremely learned--few men are, who are not destined for professions. He may not be particularly good-tempered, but----," Lady Wetheral became somewhat confused in her palliatives, by her husband suddenly stopping short in his perambulation, and, fixing his eyes upon her, "every body has something to balance their virtues." "What virtues does Ennismore possess, Gertrude?" "I'm sure I don't know; I wish you would not annoy me with such out of the way questions. Lord Ennismore shows good taste in addressing Julia, and I dare say she will improve many of his foibles. Lady Ennismore will be here next week, and I hope every thing will be arranged in a few weeks, for you could not be so reckless as to withhold your consent--could you now, my love!" "I will see Julia alone," replied Sir John. "By all means, but do not invent objections for her, and do not distress her with your long lectures, my dear love, for my sake. I see poor Julia is very much attached." "Nonsense! attached to such a man in a fortnight's acquaintance--for shame!" "Julia is _decidedly_ attached to Ennismore, Sir John, quite as much attached as a woman ought to be. I think it highly indelicate in a young girl to run after a man, and disgust him with fondness; those things are not done. She is attached very properly, and I beg you will not persuade her to the contrary." "I shall see, Gertrude." "You never saw in your life, my love; I never could persuade you to see any thing in a proper light." "I saw through Boscawen, Gertrude, when you were blind." "Nonsense! who cared to see through old Boscawen! I never thought about Isabel, therefore, her admirers could not interest me. I was sure she would only attract odd people, and you see I was correct." CHAPTER V. Sir John Wetheral's conference with Julia was of long duration, for he found her prepared with a hundred arguments, which bore down every objection: it was Samson stoning the Philistine, and every blow told upon her antagonist. It was in vain he urged Julia to pause ere she committed herself, and became the wife of a sickly husband. "My child, consider your own health, and the health of the unborn: beware of undertaking the situation of nurse at your age, and subjecting yourself to the irritable chidings of a man weighed down with disease, and prostrated in mind by its effects." "My dear papa, that is one material reason for my acceptance; I am very much interested in poor Lord Ennismore's sufferings, and you would not wish me to desert an unfortunate man because Providence has afflicted him." "You cannot be aware of its results, Julia."