him, so
that had the twenty-five thousand pounds been twenty thousand pounds, he
might have taken himself to Miss Puffle, who lived near Saffron Walden
and who would own Snickham Manor when her father died. The property was
said to be involved, and Miss Puffle was certainly forty-eight. As an
heir was the great desideratum, he had resolved that Matilda Thoroughbung
should be the lady, in spite of the evils attending the new connection.
He did feel that in throwing over Harry he would have to abandon all the
Annesleys, and to draw a line between himself with Miss Thoroughbung and
the whole family of the Thoroughbungs generally.

"You mustn't be too bitter against poor Molly," said Miss Thoroughbung.

Mr. Prosper did not like to be called bitter, and, in spite of the
importance of the occasion, could not but show that he did not like it.
"I don't think that we need talk about it."

"Oh dear no. Kate and Miss Tickle need neither of them be talked
about." Mr. Prosper disliked all familiarity, and especially that of
being laughed at, but Miss Thoroughbung did laugh. So he drew himself
up, and dangled his glove more slowly than before. "Then you were not
going on to congratulate them at the brewery?"

"Certainly not."

"I did not know."

"My purpose carries me no farther than Marmaduke Lodge. I have no desire
to see any one to-day besides Miss Thoroughbung."

"That is a compliment."

Then his memory suddenly brought back to him one of his composed
sentences. "In beholding Miss Thoroughbung I behold her on whom I hope I
may depend for all the future happiness of my life." He did feel that it
had come in the right place. It had been intended to be said immediately
after her acceptance of him. But it did very well where it was. It
expressed, as he assured himself, the feelings of his heart, and must
draw from her some declaration of hers.

"Goodness gracious me, Mr. Prosper!"

This sort of coyness was to have been expected, and he therefore
continued with another portion of his prepared words, which now came
glibly enough to him. But it was a previous portion. It was all the same
to Miss Thoroughbung, as it declared plainly the gentleman's intention.
"If I can induce you to listen to me favorably, I shall say of myself
that I am the happiest gentleman in Hertfordshire."

"Oh, Mr. Prosper!"

"My purpose is to lay at your feet my hand, my heart, and the lands of
Buston." Here he was again going backward, but it did