“‘We will ride over it to-morrow, William.’
“‘Ride over Miss Percival, uncle! That will not be very gallant. I will, however, one of these days ride over the property with you, which, as well as Miss Percival, I have not as yet seen.’
“‘Then I can tell you she is a very pretty property.’
“‘If she were not in a ring-fence.’
“‘In good heart, William. That is, I mean an excellent disposition.’
“‘Valuable in matrimony.’
“‘And well tilled—I should say well educated—by her three maiden aunts, who are the patterns of propriety.’
“‘Does any one follow the fashion?’
“‘In a high state of cultivation; that is, her mind highly cultivated, and according to the last new system—what is it?’
“‘A four-course shift, I presume,’ replied William, laughing; ‘that is, dancing, singing, music, and drawing.’