She has a fine
fortune of her own, and some of the best blood in the kingdom."
"But if your brother does not care for her,--"
"That's nonsense, George. As for liking, it's all the same to him.
Rufford is good-natured, and easily pleased, and can like any
woman. Caroline is very good-looking,--a great deal handsomer than
that horrid creature ever was,--and with manners fit for any
position. I've no reason to wish to force a wife on him; but of
course he'll marry, and unless he's guided, he'll certainly marry
badly."
"Is Miss Penge in love with him?" asked Sir George in a tone of voice
that was intended to be provoking. His wife looked at him, asking him
plainly by her countenance whether he was such a fool as that? Was it
likely that any untitled young lady of eight-and-twenty should be
wanting in the capacity of being in love with a young lord, handsome
and possessed of forty thousand a year without encumbrances? Sir
George, though he did not approve, was not eager enough in his
disapproval to lay any serious embargo on his wife's proceedings.
The first steps taken were in the direction of the hero's personal
comfort. He was flattered and petted, as his sister knew how to
flatter and pet him; and Miss Penge in a quiet way assisted Lady
Penwether in the operation. For a day or two he had not much to say
for himself; but every word he did say was an oracle.
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