“But if, indeed, the young fellow be such a booby, that he cannot reflect and compare, and take the case with all its circumstances together, I think his good papa or mamma should get him a wife to their own liking, as soon as possible; and the poorest girl in England, who is honest, should rather bless herself for escaping such a husband, than glory in the catch she would have of him.  For he would hardly do honour to his family in any one instance.”—­“Indeed,” said the countess, “it would be pity, after all, that such an one should marry any lady of prudence and birth; for ’tis enough in conscience, that he is a disgrace to one worthy family; it would be pity he should make two unhappy.”

“Why, really, nephew,” said Sir Jacob, “I think you have said much to the purpose.  There is not so much danger, from the example, as I apprehended, from sensible and reflecting minds.  I did not consider this matter thoroughly, I must needs say.”

“And the business is,” said Lady Davers—­“You’ll excuse me, sister—­There will be more people hear that Mr. B. has married his mother’s waiting-maid, than will know his inducements.”—­“Not many, I believe, sister.  For when ’tis known, I have some character in the world, and am not quite an idiot (and my faults, in having not been one of the most virtuous of men, will stand me in some stead in this case, though hardly in any other) they will naturally enquire into my inducements.—­But see you not, when we go abroad, what numbers of people her character draws to admire the dear creature?  Does not this shew, that her virtue has made her more conspicuous than my fortune has made me?  For I passed up and down quietly enough before (handsome as my equipage always was) and attracted not any body’s notice:  and indeed I had as lieve these honours were not so publicly paid her; for even, were I fond to shew and parade, what are they, but a reproach to me?  And can I have any excellence, but a secondary one, in having, after all my persecutions of her, done but common justice to her merit?—­This answers your objection, Lady Davers, and shews that my inducements and her story must be equally known.  And I really think (every thing I have said considered, and that might still farther be urged, and the conduct of the dear creature in the station she adorns, so much exceeding all I hoped or could expect from the most promising appearances), that she does me more honour than I have done her; and if I could put myself in a third person’s place, I think I should be of the same opinion, were I to determine upon such another pair, exactly circumstanced as we are.”