'My dear, your mother once tried match-making for Fitzjocelyn. Be warned by her example.'
'I am doing no such thing. I am only observing what every one sees.'
'Don't be so common-place.'
'That's all disdain—you must condescend. I have been hearing from Mr. Dynevor of the excellent offers that Clara refused.'
'Do you think Uncle Oliver and Clara agree as to excellence?'
'Still,' continued Isabel, 'considering how uncomfortable she was, it does not seem improbable that she would have married, unless some attachment had steeled her heart and raised her standard. I know she was unconscious, but it was Fitzjocelyn who formed her.'
'He has been a better brother to her than I have been; but look only at their perfect ease.'
'Now it is my belief that they were made for each other, and can venture to find it out, since she is no longer an heiress, and he is free from his Peruvian entanglement.'
'Fanny, do you hear what a scheming mamma you have? I hope she will have used it all upon Sir Hubert before you come out as the beauty of the Terrace!'
'Well, I mean to sound Clara.'