CHAPTER XXIII.
"And you commission me, then, to speak to our dear Jemima ?" said Mrs.
Dale, joyfully, and without any bitterness whatever in that "dear." DR.

RICCABOCCA.--"Nay, before speaking to Miss Hazeldean, it would surely be proper to know how far my addresses would be acceptable to the family." MRS.

DALE.--"Ah!" DR.

RICCAROCCA.--"The squire is of course the head of the family." MRS.

DALE (absent and distraite).--"The squire--yes, very true--quite proper." (Then, looking up, and with naivete) "Can you believe me?
I never thought of the squire.