“But in sounding Mr. Jericho as to his intentions in the matter of settlements, she could make no way whatever. At last she put the point-blank question:
“‘What do you propose to give the dear child?’ (alluding to Monica, for whose hand Candytuft was about to ask).
“‘Give! I’ll give a magnificent party on the occasion.’
“‘But the dowry; what dowry do you give?’
“‘Dowry! I thought, my dear, you observed marriage was no bargain? Why, you’re making it quite a ready-money transaction!’”
At this point the conversation was interrupted by Mr. Candytuft, who, before advocating his own case, warmly espoused that of his foolish friend, Sir Arthur Homadod, the accepted of Agatha.
“‘He’s as bashful as—as—upon my life I am at a loss for a simile. And as he and I are old friends, and as he knew that I should see you—in fact, he’s in the house at this moment, and came along with me—he desired me to inform you that Miss Agatha had consented to fix the—the—what d’ye call it—the happy day.’
“‘Wish them joy,’ said Jericho.
“‘As to the young lady’s dowry?’ hesitated Candytuft.
“‘I can’t give a farthing; can’t afford it, my dear Candytuft.’”