I shall send to Mary." George had never before heard him call Miss
Baker by her Christian name.

"It cannot be helped, sir. Miss Baker can do nothing in the matter
now; nor can any one else. We both know that the marriage would not
suit us."

"Not suit you! nonsense. Two babies; two fools! I tell you it will
suit you; it will suit me!"

Now had George Bertram junior not been an absolute ass, or a mole
rather with no eyesight whatever for things above ground, he would
have seen from this that he might not only have got back his love,
but have made sure of being his uncle's heir into the bargain. At
any rate, there was sufficient in what he said to insure him a very
respectable share of those money-bags. How would Pritchett have
rejoiced had he heard the old man speak so! and then how would he
have sighed and wheezed when he saw the young man's indifference!

But George would not take the hint. He must have been blind and dull,
and dead and senseless. Who before had ever heard Mr. Bertram senior
speak out in that way? "It will suit _me_!" And that from an old
bachelor, with uncountable money-bags, to his only nephew! and such
a request, too, as it conveyed--that he would again make himself
agreeable to a beautiful girl whom he thoroughly loved, and by whom
also he was thoroughly loved! But George was an ass, as we have said;
and a mole, a blind mole; and a mule, a stiff-necked, stubborn mule.
He would not yield an inch to his uncle; nor an inch to his own
feelings.

"I am sorry to vex you, sir," he said, coldly, "but it is
impossible."

"Oh, very well," said the uncle, as he compressed his lips, and moved
his hands. "Very well." And so they parted.

George went back to town and commenced his preparations for Paris.
But on the following day he received the unwonted honour of a visit
from Mr. Pritchett, and the honour was very pointed; in this wise.
Mr. Pritchett, not finding him at home, had gone to a neighbouring
tavern "to get a bit of dinner," as he told the woman at the
chambers; and stated, that he should go on calling till he did find
Mr. George. And in this way, on his third or fourth visit, Mr. George
was found.

Mr. Pritchett was dressed in his best, and was very sad and solemn.
"Mr. George," said he, "your uncle wishes to see you at Hadley,
particular."

"Why, I was there yesterday."

"I know you was, Mr. George; and that's just it. Your uncle, Mr.
George, is an old man, and it will be only dutifu