“I have reflected, sir; but the case must be viewed in a very different light.  You might affiance your adopted daughter at her early age, but the Marquis de Fontanges may not be so inclined; nay, further, sir, it is not impossible that he may dislike the proposed match.  He is of a very noble family.”

“I have thought on that subject,” replied Mr John Forster; “but our family is as well descended, and quite well enough for any Frenchman, let him be a marquis, or even a duke.  Is that the only obstacle you intend to raise —­or, if this is removed, will you again plead your attachment to another?”

“It is the only one which I mean to raise at present, sir.  I acknowledge Julie de Fontanges to be a sweet girl, and, as a relation, I have long been much attached to her.”

“Humph!” replied the old lawyer; “I always thought you a sensible lad—­we shall see.”

Now, be it observed, that there was a certain degree of the jesuitical on the part of our friend Newton on this occasion,—­excusable only from his wish that the mortification of his uncle at the disappointment of his hopes should not be occasioned by any further resistance on his part.

To M. de Fontanges, who was aware of Newton’s attachment to Isabel, he had, previous to the discovery which had taken place, communicated the obstacle to his union, raised by the pertinacity of his uncle.  After the removal of Julie, M. de Fontanges acquainted his brother with the wishes of Mr John Forster, and explained to him how much they were at variance with those of Newton.

The first time that Newton called upon the marquis, the latter, shaking him warmly by the hand, said,—­“I have been informed, my dear Newton, by my brother, of the awkward predicament in which you are placed by the wish of your uncle that you should marry my Julie when she grows up.  Believe me, when I say it, there is no man to whom I would sooner confide the happiness of my daughter, and that no consideration would induce me to refuse you, if you really sought her hand; but I know your wishes, and your attachment to Miss Revel, therefore be quite easy on the subject.  Your uncle made his proposition when Julie had no father to be consulted:  the case is now different; and, for your sake, I intend, for a time, to injure myself in the opinion of your good relation.  I shall assume, I trust what, if ever I had it, would be immediately sacrificed to gratitude,—­I mean, high aristocratical pride; and should your uncle make the proposal, refuse it upon the grounds that you are not noble by descent.  No one will deny your nobility on any other point.  Do you understand me, Newton? and will my so doing be conformable to your wishes?”

“It will, Monsieur le Marquis, and I thank you most sincerely.”

“Then make no objection when he proposes the match a second time; leave all the obloquy on my shoulders,” said the marquis, smiling.

This arrangement having been made, it was not surprising that Newton heard his uncle’s renewal of the proposition with such calmness and apparent acquiescence.