Marriage, with these women, thou seest, Jack, is an atonement for all we can do to them.  A true dramatic recompense!

This motion was highly approved of; and I gave my honour, as desired, in the fullest manner they could wish.

Lady Sarah.  Well then, Cousin Charlotte, begin your treaty with Miss Howe, out of hand.

Lady Betty.  Pray do.  And let Miss Harlowe be told, that I am ready to receive her as the most welcome of guests:  and I will not have her out of my sight till the knot is tied.

Lady Sarah.  Tell her from me, that she shall be my daughter, instead of my poor Betsey!——­And shed a tear in remembrance of her lost daughter.

Lord M. What say you, Sir, to this?

Lovel.  Content, my Lord, I speak in the language of your house.

Lord M. We are not to be fooled, Nephew.  No quibbling.  We will have no slur put upon us.

Lovel.  You shall not.  And yet, I did not intend to marry, if she exceeded the appointed Thursday.  But, I think (according to her own notions) that I have injured her beyond reparation, although I were to make her the best of husbands; as I am resolved to be, if she will condescend, as I will call it, to have me.  And be this, Cousin Charlotte, my part of your commission to say.

This pleased them all.

Lord M. Give me thy hand, Bob!—­Thou talkest like a man of honour at last.  I hope we may depend upon what thou sayest!

The Ladies eyes put the same question to me.

Lovel.  You may, my Lord—­You may, Ladies—­absolutely you may.

Then was the personal character of the lady, as well as her more extraordinary talents and endowments again expatiated upon:  and Miss Patty, who had once seen her, launched out more than all the rest in her praise.  These were followed by such inquiries as are never forgotten to be made in marriage-treaties, and which generally are the principal motives with the sages of a family, though the least to be mentioned by the parties themselves, and yet even by them, perhaps, the first thought of:  that is to say, inquisition into the lady’s fortune; into the particulars of the grandfather’s estate; and what her father, and her single-souled uncles, will probably do for her, if a reconciliation be effected; as, by their means, they make no doubt but it will be between both families, if it be not my fault.  The two venerables [no longer tabbies with me now] hinted at rich presents on their own parts; and my Lord declared that he would make such overtures in my behalf, as should render my marriage with Miss Harlowe the best day’s work I ever made; and what, he doubted not, would be as agreeable to that family as to myself.

Thus, at present, by a single hair, hangs over my head the matrimonial sword.  And thus ended my trial.  And thus are we all friends, and Cousin and Cousin, and Nephew and Nephew, at every word.