had better not make herself a party to such
a bargain. Whatever you may think of my own conduct I shall not have
behaved badly to Miss Neefit."

Sir Thomas did think very ill of Ralph's conduct, but he believed
him. After a while the whole truth came out, as to the money lent and
as to Neefit's schemes. It was of course understood by both of them
that Ralph was required neither by honesty nor by honour to renew
his offer. And then under such circumstances was he or was he not to
be allowed to propose to Mary Bonner? At first Ralph had been much
dismayed at having the Neefit mine sprung on him at such a moment;
but he collected himself very quickly, and renewed his demand as
to Mary. Sir Thomas could not mean to say that because he had been
foolish in regard to Polly Neefit, that therefore he was to be
debarred from marrying! Sir Thomas did not exactly say that; but,
nevertheless, Sir Thomas showed his displeasure. "It seems," said he,
"particularly easy to you to transfer your affections."

"My affection for Miss Neefit was not strong," said Ralph. "I did,
and always shall, regard her as a most excellent young woman."

"She showed her sense in refusing you," said Sir Thomas.

"I think she did," said Ralph.

"And I doubt much whether my niece will not be equally--sensible."

"Ah,--I can say nothing as to that."

"Were she to hear this story of Miss Neefit I am sure she would
refuse you."

"But you would not tell it to her,--as yet! If all goes well with me
I will tell it to her some day. Come, Sir Thomas, you don't mean to
be hard upon me at last. It cannot be that you should really regret
that I have got out of that trouble."

"But I regret much that you should have borrowed a tradesman's money,
and more that you should have offered to pay the debt by marrying his
daughter." Through it all, however, there was a feeling present to
Sir Thomas that he was, in truth, angry with the Squire of Newton,
not so much for his misconduct in coming to propose to Mary so soon
after the affair with Polly Neefit, but because he had not come to
propose to Clarissa. And Sir Thomas knew that such a feeling, if it
did really exist, must be overcome. Mary was entitled to her chance,
and must make the best of it. He would not refuse his sanction to a
marriage with his niece on account of Ralph's misconduct, when he
would have sanctioned a marriage with his own daughter in spite of
that misconduct. The conversation was ended by Sir