‘His father was major in the ---th dragoons, and was one of the Randolfs of ---shire. His mother was a Charlecote. His birth is as good as our own, and you saw that he is a gentleman. His character and talents have gained his present situation, and it is a profession that gives every opening for ability; nor does he ask for me till his fortune is made.’
‘But hinders you from doing better! Pray, what would Augusta say to you?’ he added, jocosely, for even while lashing himself up, his tone had been placable.
‘He shall satisfy her.’
‘How long has this been going on?’
‘We only spoke of it yesterday. Bertha found it out; but I wish no one else to know it except Robert.’
‘Somehow she looks so cool, and she is so entirely the last girl I expected to go crazy, that I can’t laugh at the thing as I ought! I say, what’s this about Miss Charlecote; will she do anything for him?’
‘I believe not.’
‘And pray who vouches for his antecedents, such as they are.’
‘Mr. Currie and Owen Sandbrook both know the whole.’
‘Is Sandbrook at the Holt?’