of a fine lady, she could never forgive
the contempt which was sometimes visible in my countenance, when she
uttered with pomposity her bad English, or affected to be well bred.

To my uncle I ventured to open my heart; and he, with his wonted
benevolence, began to consider in what manner he could extricate me out
of my present irksome situation. In spite of his own disappointment, or,
most probably, actuated by the feelings that had been petrified, not
cooled, in all their sanguine fervour, like a boiling torrent of lava
suddenly dashing into the sea, he thought a marriage of mutual
inclination (would envious stars permit it) the only chance for happiness
in this disastrous world. George Venables had the reputation of being
attentive to business, and my father's example gave great weight to this
circumstance; for habits of order in business would, he conceived, extend
to the regulation of the affections in domestic life. George seldom spoke
in my uncle's company, except to utter a short, judicious question, or to
make a pertinent remark, with all due deference to his superior judgment;
so that my uncle seldom left his company without observing, that the
young man had more in him than people supposed.

In this opinion he was not singular; yet, believe me, and I am not swayed
by resentment, these speeches so justly poized, this silent deference,
when the animal spirits of other young people were throwing off youthful
ebullitions, were not the effect of thought or humility, but sheer
barrenness of mind, and want of imagination. A colt of mettle will curvet
and shew his paces. Yes; my dear girl, these prudent young men want all
the fire necessary to ferment their faculties, and are characterized as
wise, only because they are not foolish. It is true, that George was by
no means so great a favourite of mine as during the first year of our
acquaintance; still, as he often coincided in opinion with me, and echoed
my sentiments; and having myself no other attachment, I heard with
pleasure my uncle's proposal; but thought more of obtaining my freedom,
than of my lover. But, when George, seemingly anxious for my happiness,
pressed me to quit my present painful situation, my heart swelled with
gratitude--I knew not that my uncle had promised him five thousand
pounds.

Had this truly generous man mentioned his intention to me, I should have
insisted on a thousand pounds being settled on each of my sisters; George
would have cont