O’Bla. And you’ll give me your advice, which will be conclusive, law, and every thing to me. You know the McBrides—would they be safe?
Mr. Carv. Very safe, substantial people.
O’Bla. Then here’s the thing, Mr. Carver: as you recommend them, and as they are friends of yours—I will confess to you that, though it might not in pint of interest be a very prudent match, I am thinking that Honor McBride is such a prudent girl, and Mrs. Carver has taken her by the hand, so I’d wish to follow Mrs. Carver’s example for life, in taking Honor by the hand for better for worse.
Mr. Carv. In my humble opinion you cannot do better; and I can tell you a secret—Honor will have no contemptible fortune in that rank of life.
O’Bla. Oh, fortune’s always contemptible in marriage.
Mr. Carv. Fortune! sir?
O’Bla. (aside) Overshot. (Aloud) In comparison with the patronage and protection or countenance she’d have from you and your family, sir.
Mr. Carv. That you may depend upon, my good Gerald, as far as we can go; but you know we are nothing.
O’Bla. Oh, I know you’re every thing—every thing on earth—particularly with ould McBride; and you know how to speak so well and iloquent, and I’m so tongue-tied and bashful on such an occasion.
Mr. Carv. Well, well, I’ll speak for you.