ortunity may offer. That is our experience of the genus girl in
the general; and we quite approve of her for her readiness to do so.
It is, indeed, her nature; and the propensity has been planted in her
for wise purposes. But as to this or that special sample of the genus
girl, in reference to this or that special sample of the genus young
man, we always feel ourselves bound to take it as a matter of course
that there can be nothing of the kind, till the thing is done. Any
caution on the matter is therefore difficult and disagreeable, as
conveying almost an insult. Mothers in well-regulated families do not
caution their daughters in reference to special young men. But Lady
Elizabeth had been desired by her husband to give the caution, and
must in some sort obey the instruction. Two days before George's
arrival she endeavoured to do as she was told; not with the most
signal success.

"Your Cousin George is coming on Saturday."

"So I heard Papa say."

"Your Papa gave him a sort of invitation when he was here last time,
and so he has proposed himself."

"Why should not he? It seems very natural. He is the nearest relation
we have got, and we all like him."

"I don't think your Papa does like him."

"I do."

"What I mean is your Papa doesn't approve of him. He goes to races,
and bets, and all that kind of thing. And then your Papa thinks that
he's over head and ears in debt."

"I don't know anything about his debts. As for his going to races, I
believe he has given them up. I am sure he would if he were asked."
Then there was a pause, for Lady Elizabeth hardly knew how to
pronounce her caution. "Why shouldn't Papa pay his debts?"

"My dear!"

"Well, Mamma, why shouldn't he? And why shouldn't Papa let him have
the property; I mean, leave it to him instead of to me?"

"If your brother had lived--"

"He didn't live, Mamma. That has been our great misfortune. But so it
is; and why shouldn't George be allowed to take his place? I'm sure
it would be for the best. Papa thinks so much about the name, and the
family, and all that."

"My dear, you must leave him to do as he thinks fit in all such
matters. You may be sure that he will do what he believes to be his
duty. What I was going to say was this--" And, instead of saying it,
Lady Elizabeth still hesitated.

"I know what you want to say, Mamma, just as well as though the words
were out of your mouth. You want to make me to understand that George
is a black s