Camilla laughed at this ridiculous reasoning, but would not enter into its consequences.
'Well, then, if you will not assist me, don't take it ill that I assist myself. In the first place, there's your brother; I don't ask you to tell me any thing of him; I have seen him! and I confess to you he does not put me into utter despair! he does not alarm me into flying all his race.'
Camilla tried vainly to look grave.
'I have seen another, too, your cousin, I think; Miss Lynmere, that's engaged to young Mandlebert.'
Camilla now tried as vainly to look gay.
'She's prodigiously pretty. Pray, is not she a great fool?'
'Ma'am?'
'I beg your pardon! but I don't suppose you are responsible for the intellects of all your generation. However, she'll do vastly well; you need not be uneasy for her. A face like that will take very good care of itself. I am glad she is engaged, for your sake, though I am sorry for Mandlebert; that is, if, as his class of countenance generally predicts, he marries with any notion of expecting to be happy.'
'But why, ma'am,' cried Camilla, checking a sigh, 'are you glad for my sake?'
'Because there are two reasons why she would be wonderfully in your way; she is not only prettier than you, but sillier.'