r. Prosper, on which to speak to Miss
Thoroughbung, I will retire."

"It is very thoughtful on your part, Miss Tickle."

Then Miss Tickle retired; from which it may be surmised that the
probable circumstances of the interview had been already discussed
between the ladies. Mr. Prosper drew a long breath, and sighed audibly,
as soon as he was alone with the object of his affections. He wondered
whether men were ever bright and jolly in such circumstances. He sighed
again, and then he began: "Miss Thoroughbung!"

"Mr. Prosper!"

All the prepared words had flown from his memory. He could not even
bethink himself how he ought to begin. And, unfortunately, so much must
depend upon manner! But the property was unembarrassed, and Miss
Thoroughbung thought it probable that she might be allowed to do what
she would with her own money. She had turned it all over to the right
and to the left, and she was quite minded to accept him. With this view
she had told Miss Tickle to leave the room, and she now felt that she
was bound to give the gentleman what help might be in her power. "Oh,
Miss Thoroughbung!" he said.

"Mr. Prosper, you and I are such good friends, that--that--that--"

"Yes, indeed. You can have no more true friend than I am,--not even Miss
Tickle."

"Oh, bother Miss Tickle! Miss Tickle is very well."

"Exactly so. Miss Tickle is very well; a most estimable person."

"We'll leave her alone just at present."

"Yes, certainly. We had better leave her alone in our present
conversation. Not but what I have a strong regard for her." Mr. Prosper
had surely not thought of the opening he might be giving as to a future
career for Miss Tickle by such an assertion.

"So have I, for the matter of that, but we'll drop her just now." Then
she paused, but he paused also. "You have come over to Buntingford
to-day probably in order that you might congratulate them at the brewery
on the marriage with one of your family." Then Mr. Prosper frowned, but
she did not care for his frowning. "It will not be a bad match for the
young lady, as Joshua is fairly steady, and the brewery is worth money."

"I could have wished him a better brother-in-law," said the lover, who
was taken away from the consideration of his love by the allusion to the
Annesleys. He had thought of all that, and in the dearth of fitting
objects of affection had resolved to endure the drawback of the
connection. But it had for a while weighed very seriously with