Archibald.

[Cheerfully.] Oh, no, my dear mother.

Mrs. Insoley.

When I asked Grace to invite Helen Vernon to stay here for a few days, it was in the confident hope that you would make her a proposal of marriage.

Archibald.

I respect and esteem Miss Vernon, but I confess that no warmer feeling has ever entered my bosom.

Mrs. Insoley.

It’s not necessary that warm feelings should enter a clergyman’s bosom, Archibald. She’s of very good family indeed, and an heiress. Five thousand acres and a house that’s only just been done up.

Archibald.

[With a chuckle.] If there only weren’t a wife to be taken along with the property!