to act in that way, what would the world come to? It has
been God's pleasure that we should be born with high blood
in our veins. This is a great boon which we both value,
but the boon has its responsibilities as well as its
privileges. It is established by law, that the royal
family shall not intermarry with subjects. In our case
there is no law, but the necessity is not the less felt;
we should not intermarry with those who are probably
of a lower rank. Mr Mortimer Gazebee is, after all,
only an attorney; and, although you speak of his
great-grandfather, he is a man of no blood whatsoever. You
must acknowledge that such an admixture should be looked
on by a de Courcy, or even by a Gresham, as a pollution.
[Here Augusta got very red, and she felt almost inclined
to be angry with her cousin.] Beatrice's marriage with Mr
Oriel is different; though, remember, I am by no means
defending that; it may be good or bad, and I have had no
opportunity of inquiring respecting Mr Oriel's family.
Beatrice, moreover, has never appeared to me to feel
what was due to herself in such matters; but, as I
said, her marriage with Mr Oriel is very different.
Clergymen--particularly the rectors and vicars of country
parishes--do become privileged above other professional
men. I could explain why, but it would be too long in a
letter.

Your feelings on the subject altogether do you great
credit. I have no doubt that Mr Gresham, if asked, would
accede to the match; but that is just the reason why he
should not be asked. It would not be right that I should
say anything against your father to you; but it is
impossible for any of us not to see that all through life
he has thrown away every advantage, and sacrificed his
family. Why is he now in debt, as you say? Why is he not
holding the family seat in Parliament? Even though you are
his daughter, you cannot but feel that you would not do
right to consult him on such a subject.

As to dear aunt, I feel sure, that were she in good
health, and left to exercise her own judgement, she would
not wish to see you married to the agent for the family
estate. For, dear Augusta, that is the real truth. Mr
Gazebee often comes here in the way of business; and
though papa always receives him as a gentleman--that is,
he dines at table and all that--he is not on the same
foo