“Quite so,” said the aunt of Miss Perry. “It is sensible of you both not to do so.”
The old woman’s tone was devoid of irony, but the absence of it merely seemed to heighten the amount there was in her aspect of that undesirable quality. Jim thought he had never seen a human countenance that he liked so little.
“What I wish to point out to you,” the old woman went on, “is that my niece has lately received an offer of marriage from a person who has excellent credentials.”
From the first Jim had been expecting some such thunderbolt. Therefore he contrived to maintain his pose of scrupulously polite attention.
“As far as Miss Perry’s well-being is concerned, I am glad to know that, Lady Crewkerne,” said Jim, with an urbanity that did him great credit. “As far as my own is concerned, I deplore it.”
“The offer of marriage my niece has received,” said the old woman, “is of such a character that those who have her welfare at heart feel very strongly that she is bound to entertain it. Not only will it give her an assured position socially, but also it will establish the fortunes of her family, which, as you are doubtless aware, are at a low ebb.”
Jim gave a little nod to assure the old woman that he was not unacquainted with the fortunes of Miss Perry’s family.
“In these circumstances, Mr. Lascelles,” said she, briefly, “I think your course is clear.”
Jim, however, assumed an air of perplexity.
“I wish, Lady Crewkerne,” said he, “that I shared your opinion.”