"We all hope so, Fanny. I suppose I must not say anything to her?"
"Not for worlds, mother. You must wait till she speaks to you."
"I am not so sure, Fanny. She has no mother to confide in, and to whom she can unreservedly open her heart. I must think over it, for her sake."
"If you thought Mr. Cornwall was good enough for me," said Fanny, "he is good enough for Phœbe."
"My dear, the cases are different."
"How different?"
"Mr. Cornwall knows her position. If it had been you instead of Phœbe, he would not have expected money with you. When people have arrived at the time of life which your father and I have reached, and have children whom they love as we love ours, they cannot help feeling a little disturbed at their want of fortune. Young men nowadays look out for money; it is not as it used to be."
"It is with me, mother. I am an old-fashioned girl, and if a young man casts sheeps' eyes at me it will be a satisfaction to know that it isn't my dowry that attracts him. And for my part, mother, I mean to marry for love—if I ever do marry."
"I am glad to hear you say so, my dear; they are the happiest marriages. Our life has been a happy one: never for one moment have I regretted marrying your father."
"I should think not, mother! Who is there in the world to compare with him?"