"Of course he must furnish the place and have an immense deal
done before he can marry. I think it is a piece of impudence to
bring one to such a place as this."
"That's nonsense, mamma, because he told us all about it"
"The more I see of it all, Arabella, the more sure I am that it
won't do."
"It must do, mamma."
"Twelve hundred a year is all that he offers, and his lawyer says
that he will make no stipulation whatever as to an allowance."
"Really, mamma, you might leave that to me."
"I like to have everything fixed, my dear,--and certain."
"Nothing really ever is certain. While there is anything to get you
may be sure that I shall have my share. As far as money goes I'm
not a bit afraid of having the worst of it,--only there will be so
very little between us."
"That's just it."
"There's no doubt about the property, mamma."
"A nasty beggarly place!"
"And from what everybody says he's sure to be a minister or
ambassador or something of that sort."
"I've no doubt he will. And where'll he have to go to? To Brazil,
or the West Indies, or some British Colony," said her ladyship
showing her ignorance of the Foreign Office service. "That might be
very well. You could stay at home. Only where would you live? He
wouldn't keep a house in town for you. Is this the sort of place
you'd like?"
"I don't think it makes any difference where one is," said Arabella
disgusted.
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