Accordingly, about ten o'clock next morning, in compliance with the summons he had received, Mr. Carteret made his appearance, and was conducted by Norris to the cabinet just described, where he found the beautiful widow seated at a desk, with writing materials before her.
“I am so much obliged to you for coming to me, Mr. Carteret,” she said, giving him a very warm welcome. “I want to see you most particularly. Pray sit down!”
“If I am not mistaken, madam, you are about to form an important matrimonial alliance?” he remarked.
“You have guessed rightly, Mr. Carteret,” she said, with a smile. “I went up to town a few days ago perfectly free, and have returned engaged.”
“To Lord Courland?”
“To his lordship.”
“Accept my congratulations,” he said, rather gravely. “But I am obliged to treat the affair as a matter of business, and must dismiss all sentiment. Does his lordship propose to make a handsome settlement upon you?”
“No doubt he would, if it were in his power; but he is unable to do so.”
“I feared not,”' replied Carteret. “But I hope he doesn't expect a settlement to be made on him?”
“I rather think he does,” replied the lady.