g Mr. Egremont, he was at her service, and
would give up any engagement.

'Hein! my fine fellow! No doubt you would!' said Mr. Egremont, when
his daughter had uttered her cold thanks, and they had driven on. 'I
see your little game, but it is soon to begin it. We may as well let
them know that she is booked before the running begins.'

It was a remarkable intimation of his acceptance of her engagement, but
Ursula was contented to take it as such, and be thankful.

Mr. Dutton had his interview as soon as Mr. Egremont had rested after
his drive, and the result was satisfactory.

No doubt much was due to the Egremont indolence and want of energy,
which always preferred to let things take their course. And now that
Gregorio was no longer present to amuse, and take all trouble off his
hands, Mr. Egremont could hardly have borne to part with his daughter;
and, despite of umbrellas and religion, was not sorry to have a
perfectly trustworthy son-in-law in the house, able to play at cards
with him, manage his household, and obviate all trouble about suitors
for the heiress. Moreover, his better feelings were stirred by
gratitude on his poor little son's account, and he knew very well that
a more brilliant match for his daughter would not have secured for his
old age the care and attention he could rely upon here. He was obliged
likewise to believe in the disinterestedness, which disclaimed all
desire for the estate, as involving cares and duties for which there
had been no training; and he was actually glad to keep the property in
the direct line. The old liking for Mark, and sense of the hardship of
his exclusion, revived, strengthened now by regard for Annaple;
together with the present relief from care obtained by making him
manager of the estate.

When once brought to a point, Mr. Egremont was always sudden and
impetuous, chiefly for the sake of having it over and being unmolested
and at rest again. So that very evening, while Nuttie only ventured on
sharing with Annaple the glad tidings that Mr. Dutton was accepted, and
in his marvellous goodness, undertook to make his home with her father.
Mark was almost stunned by the news, confirmed to him by Mr. Dutton as
well as his uncle, that he was to be acknowledged as heir of
Bridgefield Egremont, and in the meantime manage the estate with an
income suitable to an oldest son.

Presently he came upstairs by himself, and beckoned to Nuttie, rather
to the alarm of his