“Indeed, I question whether hypocrisy would sit well upon one who has been so undisguised an offender.  The very assumption of it requires some training.  I think a work to be called ‘Preparations for Hypocrisy’ would be a great book to the general mass of mankind.  You cannot bound at one step from the licentious to the hypocritical, unless, indeed, upon the convenient principle of instantaneous conversion.  The thing must be done decently, and by judicious gradations, nor is the transition attended with much difficulty, in consequence of the natural tendency which hypocrisy and profligacy always have to meet.  Still, I think you ought to attempt the thing.  Get by heart, as her father advises, half-a-dozen serious texts of Scripture, and drop one in now and then, such as, ’All flesh is grass.’  ‘Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.’  ’He that marrieth not doth well, but he that marrieth doth better.’  To be sure, there is a slight inversion of text here, but then it is made more appropriate.”

“None of these texts, however,” replied his lordship, “except the last, are applicable to marriage.”

“So much the better; that will show her that you can think of other and more serious things.”

“But there are very few things more serious, my boy.”

“At all events,” proceeded the other, “it will be original, and originality, you know, is your forte.  I believe it is supposed that she has no great relish for this match, and is not overburdened with affection for you?”

“She must have changed, though,” replied his lordship, “or she wouldn’t have consented.”

“That may be; but if she should candidly tell you that she does not like you—­why, in that case, your originality must bear you out.  Start some new and original theory on marriage; say, for instance, that your principle is not to marry a girl who does love you, but rather one who feels the other way.  Dwell fearfully on the danger of love before marriage:  and thus strike out strongly upon the advantages of indifference—­honest indifference.  By this means you will meet all her objections, and be able to capsize her on every point.”

“Norton,” said his lordship, “I think you are right.  My originality will carry the day; but in the meantime you must give me further instructions on the subject, so that I may be prepared at all points.”

“By the by, Dunroe, you will be a happy fellow.  I am told she is a magnificent creature; beautiful, sensible, brilliant, and mistress of many languages.”

“Not to be compared with the blonde, though.”

“I cannot say,” replied Norton, “having not yet seen her.  You will get very fond of her, of course.”

“Fond—­’gad, I hope it will never come to that with me.  The moment a man suffers himself to become fond of his wife, he had better order his Bible and Prayer-book at once—­it is all up with him.”