‘My lady,’ the General interposed, ‘I have her distinct assurance that it is, I say it is wrapt up in mine.’
‘Let me speak. Young people will say anything. Well, they have a certain excuse for selfishness; we have not. I am in some degree bound to my nephew; he is my sister’s son.’
‘Assuredly, my lady. I would not stand in his light, be quite assured. If I am, I was saying if I am not mistaken, I... and he is, or has the making of an excellent soldier in him, and is likely to be a distinguished cavalry officer.’
‘He has to carve his own way in the world, General.’
‘All good soldiers have, my lady. And if my position is not, after a considerable term of service, I say if...’
‘To continue,’ said Lady Camper: ‘I never have liked early marriages. I was married in my teens before I knew men. Now I do know them, and now....’
The General plunged forward: ‘The honour you do us now:—a mature experience is worth:—my dear Lady Camper, I have admired you:—and your objection to early marriages cannot apply to... indeed, madam, vigour, they say... though youth, of course... yet young people, as you observe... and I have, though perhaps my reputation is against it, I was saying I have a natural timidity with your sex, and I am grey-headed, white-headed, but happily without a single malady.’
Lady Camper’s brows showed a trifling bewilderment. ‘I am speaking of these young people, General Ople.’
‘I consent to everything beforehand, my dear lady. He should be, I say Mr. Rolles should be provided for.’
‘So should she, General, so should Elizabeth.’