hould let slip through her expert
fingers the wealthy Mr Green, the great Western merchant, and close
them so firmly on the comparatively poor and obscure young lawyer, was a
circumstance that could not so easily be understood. Had the
interesting fact transpired, that the great Elias had not so much
slipped through her fingers, as, to use his own forcible and elegant
language, "wriggled himself clear," it might have been satisfactory to
the world in general. But Mr Green was far-away intent on more
important matters, on the valuation and disposal of fabulous quantities
of pork and wheat, and it is not to be supposed that so prudent a
general as Mrs Grove would be in haste to proclaim her own defeat. She
acted a wiser part; she took the best measures for covering it.

When the pretty Fanny showed an inclination to console herself for the
defection of her wealthy admirer by making the most of the small
attentions of the handsome young lawyer, her mamma graciously smiled
approval. Fanny might do better she thought, but then she might do
worse. Mr Elliott was by no means Mr Green's equal in the great
essentials of wealth won, and wealth in prospect, still he was a rising
man as all might see; quite presentable, with no considerable
connections,--except perhaps his sisters, who could easily be disposed
of. And then Fanny, though very pretty, was "a silly little thing," she
said to herself with great candour. Her beauty was not of a kind to
increase with years, or even to continue long. The chances were, if she
did not go off at once, she would stay too long. Then there were her
sisters growing up so fast, mamma's own darlings; Charlotte twelve and
Victoria seven, were really quite tall and mature for their years, and
at any rate, it would be a relief to have Fanny well away.

And so the unsuspecting youth enjoyed many a drive in the Grove
carriage, and ate many a dinner in the Grove mansion, and roamed with
the fair Fanny by daylight and by moonlight among the flowers and fruits
of the Grove gardens, during the three months that his brother and
sisters passed at the seaside. He made one of many a pleasant driving
or riding party. There were picnics at which his presence was claimed
in various places. Not the cumbrous affairs which called into
requisition all the baskets, and boxes, and available conveyances of the
invited guests--parties of which the aim seems to be, to collect in one
favoured spot in the count