‘Why must it be unwise for us to love each other?’
‘Only because of my unworthiness.’
‘Then we will forget your unworthiness, or, if your modesty likes better, I will love you and your unworthiness too. I do not suppose you a faultless paragon, John. Papa told me that you had been extravagant and foolish. You will not be extravagant and foolish any more, will you, dear, when you are a sober married man?’
‘No, love.’
‘And we will both strive to do all the good we can with our large fortune.’
‘You shall be the chief disposer of it.’
‘No, no, I would not have it so on any account. You must be lord and master. I shall expect you to be quite the ideal country squire, the sun and centre of our little universe, the general benefactor. I will be your prime minister and adviser, if you like. I know all the poor people for ten miles round, on our estate, and on other people’s land. I know their wants and their weaknesses. Yes, John, I think I can help you in doing much good; in making improvements that will not ruin you, and will make the lives of the labouring people much happier.’
‘Being your slave, what should I do but tend
Upon the hours and times of your desire?
I have no precious time at all to spend,