“Well,” said the squire, “think as you like, act as you like; all's one to me. You're satisfied; that's clear; and I'm some hundred of pounds out of pocket. This major's paying court to the widow, is he?”
“I can't say that he is.”
“It would be a good thing for her to get married.”
“I should be glad.”
“A good thing for her, I say.”
“A good thing for him, let us hope.”
“If he can pay her debts.”
Sir William was silent, and sipped his wine.
“And if he can keep a tight hand on the reins. That's wanted,” said the squire.
The gentleman whose road to happiness was thus prescribed stood by Mrs. Lovell's chair, in the drawing-room. He held a letter in his hand, for which her own was pleadingly extended.