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They pronounced her to be very much like a Lady. Click to [ENLARGE] |
"And then he would have been too old to marry at all," said Lily.
But the squire's budget of news had not yet been emptied. He told them soon afterwards that he himself had been summoned up to London. Bernard had written to him, begging him to come and see the young lady; and the family lawyer had written also, saying that his presence in town would be very desirable. "It is very troublesome, of course; but I shall go," said the squire. "It will do you all the good in the world," said Mrs. Dale; "and of course you ought to know her personally before the marriage." And then the squire made a clean breast of it and declared his full purpose. "I was thinking that, perhaps, Lily would not object to go up to London with me."
"Oh, uncle Christopher, I should so like it," said Lily.
"If your mamma does not object."
"Mamma never objects to anything. I should like to see her objecting to that!" And Lily shook her head at her mother.
"Bernard says that Miss Dunstable particularly wants to see you."
"Does she, indeed? And I particularly want to see Miss Dunstable. How nice! Mamma, I don't think I've ever been in London since I wore short frocks. Do you remember taking us to the pantomime? Only think how many years ago that is. I'm quite sure it's time that Bernard should get married. Uncle, I hope you're prepared to take me to the play."
"We must see about that!"