'Hildebrand, I do not want him to marry the daughter of a dissenting colonel, with not money enough to dress her.'
'I do not mean he shall.'
'Then think how you are going to prevent it. Next summer, I warn you, it may be too late.'
In consequence, perhaps, of this conversation, though it is by no means certain that Mr. Dallas needed its suggestions, he strolled over after tea to Colonel Gainsborough's. The colonel was in his usual place and position; Esther sitting at the table with her books. Mr. Dallas eyed her as she rose to receive him, noticed the gracious, quiet manner, the fair and noble face, the easy movement and fine bearing; and turned to her father with a strengthened purpose to do what he had come to do. He had to wait a while. He told the news of Pitt's last letter; intimated that he meant to keep him in England till his studies were all ended; and then went into a discussion of politics, deep and dry. When Esther at last left the room, he made a sudden break in the discussion.
'Colonel, what are you going to do with that girl of yours?'
'What am I going to do with her?' repeated the colonel, a little drily.
'Yes. Forgive me; I have known her all her life, you know, nearly. I am concerned about Esther.'
'In what way?'
'Well, don't take it ill of me; but I do not like to see her growing up so without any advantages. She is such a beautiful creature.'
Colonel Gainsborough was silent.