Lady E. Poor girl!
Sir C. Upon my word an interesting story, and told with pathetic effect.—Emily, you look grave, child.
Lady E. [Aside.] I shall not own it however. [To him.] For once, my dear uncle, you want your spectacles. My thoughts are on a diverting subject—My first visit to Miss Alscrip; to take a near view of that collection of charms destined to my happy brother.
Sir C. You need not go out of the room for that purpose. The schedule of an heiress's fortune is a compendium of her merits, and the true security for marriage happiness.
Lady E. I am sure I guess at your system—That union must be most wise, which has wealth to support it, and no affections to disturb it.
Sir C. Right.
Lady E. That makes a divorce the first promise of wedlock; and widowhood the best blessing of life; that separates the interest of husband, wife, and child——
Sir C. To establish the independent comfort of all——
Lady E. Upon the broad basis of family hatred. Excellent, my dear uncle, excellent indeed; and upon that principle, though the lady is likely to be your niece, and my sister, I am sure you will have no objection to my laughing at her a little.