The spinster sisters held a council of war on the day following the events we have described. They were not disappointed at the failure of the marriage proposals to Miss Fraser; for that young lady was by no means the kind of guardian they would select for their brother as a bulwark against the troubles and vexations of this mortal life. The way was now more clear than ever for the success of their original plan. Septimus had learned their ideas and wishes, and had gradually become more amenable to reason. The beauty and talent of the handsome widow had been fully descanted upon. Nor were her monetary qualifications lost sight of by the practical Penelope. The question of suitability as to age had been delicately but firmly touched upon by both the sisters.
‘Mrs Fraser is only ten years your junior, Septimus, and that is the difference which should always exist between husband and wife. Indeed, I see no objection to even a greater disproportion, but that is the minimum necessary to conjugal happiness. I am certain that Mrs Fraser has a tendresse for you, and that any proposal from you would meet with every encouragement.’
Septimus left the room considerably mollified, and immediately after he had done so, Penelope turned to her sister, and said: ‘I trust, Lavinia, you approve of all I have been saying to dear Septimus?’
‘Entirely, my dear sister; but’—— Lavinia paused.
‘You have always a “but,” Lavinia. Pray, speak out.’
‘Well, I have a suspicion that Mrs Fraser has a lurking sentiment for Mr Lockwood.’
‘Good gracious, Lavinia! you certainly conceive the most extraordinary notions.’
‘I do not say for a single moment that the sentiment is reciprocated,’ replied Lavinia.
‘Why, Frank Lockwood is young enough to be her son!’ indignantly exclaimed Penelope.
‘Hardly, Penelope, unless Mrs Fraser was marriageable at the age of six,’ Lavinia continued. ‘Then I cannot help thinking that Frank is in love with Blanche.’