"I have authority to say, Captain Ponsonby has not yet succeeded, my dear lord."
"Ponsonby has been very successful with the female heart, and I know he was attentive yesterday—but he has nothing to offer. I think Sir John Spottiswoode fluttered round Fanny Ponsonby—nothing there, you think, Lady Wetheral?"
"My daughter's affections are not so lightly won, my lord; and my interest is not with Sir John Spottiswoode."
"It would be a great feather in my cap, to win Miss Wetheral from all competitors. She would be a star in town, and cause a great sensation. She shall be the best-dressed woman in St. James's, if she appears there as Lady Farnborough. She would have the most splendid jewels in the drawing-room."
"My dear child's tastes are simple and unexpensive, Lord Farnborough. She does not court notoriety. Her heart is happiest in her own home."
"That is a lady's throne," observed his lordship, "and man is happy, who marries a creature devoted to his comforts."
"Is the duke aware of your present application, my lord?"
"I believe he surmises what I am about, Lady Wetheral, for your daughter's charms almost led to a quarrel this morning with Ponsonby. It decided me at once to announce my wishes here, or he would be laying siege to Miss Wetheral. I saw that pretty clearly. However, if you stand my friend, Lady Wetheral, I am safe."
"My lord, I think my wishes will point my daughter's affections; I believe I possess her entire confidence, and the control of her judgment; and the very proper way in which you announce your wish of an alliance with our family, prompts me to exert my influence in your favour. I admire your high-spirited address, my lord, in consulting me before you applied to the lady."
"I wish to do every thing in order," replied his lordship, "and I know Ponsonby has serious intentions, which gave me some alarm. When may I pay my respects to Miss Wetheral? Will she allow me an interview soon, Lady Wetheral? You may conceive my impatience to be received as one of your family."