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Could we not unite the fortune and the title? It would secure the rank to her, it would incorporate all my desires all my duties." "But," said Lady Vargrave, with evident surprise, "if I understand you rightly, the disparity of years " "And what then, what then, Lady Vargrave? Is there no disparity of years between us? a greater disparity than between Lumley and that tall girl.
"Maltravers! but he is not about to leave the county?" "Yes, for a few months." Here the host entered. Four horses, that had been only fourteen miles, had just re-entered the yard. If Mr. Maltravers could spare two to that gentleman, who had, indeed, pre-engaged them? "Certainly," said Cleveland; "but be quick." "And is Lord Vargrave still at Mr. Merton's?" asked the curate, musingly.
Elton, who instantly remembered the name, and recalled the resemblance of Miss Cameron to the unfortunate Mary Westbrook. "And," said the gossiping nurse, "she was engaged, they say, to a great lord, and gave him up for the squire, a great lord in the court, who had been staying at Parson Merton's, Lord Vargrave!" "Lord Vargrave!" exclaimed Mrs. Elton, remembering the title to which Mr.
"Were it only as Miss Cameron's guardian," said Lord Vargrave, pointedly, "I should certainly object to such a mode of performing such a journey. Perhaps Mr. Aubrey means to perfect the project by taking two outside places on the top of the coach?" "Pardon me," said the curate, mildly, "but I am not so ignorant of what is due to Miss Cameron as you suppose.
"Oh, yes, I believe so. Miss Cameron is to be married to him very shortly, is it not so?" "I cannot say," returned Aubrey, rather bewildered. "You know Lord Vargrave, sir?" "Extremely well!" "And you think him worthy of Miss Cameron?" "That is a question for her to answer. But I see the horses are put to. Good-day, sir!
Will you dine with me to-day, Lumley?" "No. I expect my co-trustee, Mr. Douce, on matters of business, a tete-a-tete dinner." Lord Vargrave had, as he conceived, very cleverly talked over Mr. Douce into letting his debt to that gentleman run on for the present; and in the meanwhile, he had overwhelmed Mr. Douce with his condescensions.
He is more than handsome, he has the air of rank, an eye that fascinates, a smile that wins, the manners that please, the abilities that command, the world! Handsome, clever, admired, distinguished what can woman desire more in her lover, her husband? Have you ever formed some fancy, some ideal of the one you could love, and how does Lord Vargrave fall short of the vision?"
Her head was turned; and when she sat next me at supper, she not only answered every question I put to her a tort et a travers, but I fancied every moment she was going to burst out crying. Can you tell what was the matter with her?" "She was grieved to hear that I was to be married to the man I do not love. Ah, Vargrave, she has more heart than you have!"
"Unquestionably Miss Cameron will grant your lordship the interview you have a right to seek; but pardon me, I thought it might save you both much pain, if the meeting were prepared by a third person; and on any matter of business, any atonement to your lordship " "Atonement! what can atone to me?" exclaimed Vargrave, as he walked to and fro the room in great disorder and excitement.
He had thought of persuading Lady Vargrave to let her come to London, where he could be ever at hand; and as the season was now set in, his representations on this head would appear sensible and just. But then again this was to incur greater dangers than those he would avoid. London! a beauty and an heiress, in her first debut in London! What formidable admirers would flock around her!