"Now, Mr. Carteret has followed the only course open to a gentleman of birth and breeding. He has honourably come to your father and mother and has asked our permission to be considered a suitor for your hand."
"Was that permission given?"
"Jessie, what do you take us for? Do you think that we have no care about your future? The heir presumptive to the title and estates of Lewesthorpe would be considered one of the catches of a London season."
"Mother, tell me, did father accept Mr. Carteret as a prospective lover and husband for me?"
"Yes, certainly.... That is—— You know your father's way.... He did not put it in so many words, but he gave what was equivalent to his consent."
"That is to say that father told Mr. Carteret I could choose for myself. Now, mother, is that not what father said?"
"Well, perhaps it was something like that. But, at any rate, it was the same thing as giving his consent. He made no objections to Mr. Carteret's trying to win you."
"That is just what I thought. Of course you gave your hearty consent and approval."
"Certainly, my daughter. What kind of a mother would I be if a handsome and accomplished young gentleman, a gentleman of birth and prospects, should offer you his heart and hand,—what kind of a mother would I be not to encourage his suit?"
"Then, mother, he can keep his heart and hand. I will have none of them."