“Well, I have good reason to believe, Dr. Goldsmith, that had she not steadfastly refused to see a certain gentleman who has been greatly attracted by her, I might now have some happy news to convey to you.”
“The gentleman's name is Colonel Gwyn, I think.”
He spoke in a low voice and after a long pause.
“Ah, you have guessed it, then? You have perceived that the gentleman was drawn toward her?” said the lady smiling.
“I have every reason to believe in his sincerity,” said Goldsmith. “And you think that if Mary had been as well as she usually has been, she would have listened to his proposals, madam?”
“Why should she not have done so, sir?” said Mrs. Horneck.
“Why not, indeed?”
“Colonel Gwyn would be a very suitable match for her,” said she. “He is, to be sure, several years her senior; that, however, is nothing.”
“You think so—you think that a disparity in age should mean nothing in such a case?” said Oliver, rather eagerly.
“How could any one be so narrowminded as to think otherwise?” cried Mrs. Horneck. “Whoever may think otherwise, sir, I certainly do not. I hope I am too good a mother, Dr. Goldsmith. Nay, sir, I could not stand between my daughter and happiness on such a pretext as a difference in years. After all, Colonel Gwyn is but a year or two over thirty—thirty-seven, I believe—but he does not look more than thirty-five.”