I will not tolerate these freedoms.

My mother is right--you have some ill design." "By my soul, no!" cried the gallant, passionately.

"I love you, and would make you mine." "No doubt," remarked Mrs.Bloundel, contemptuously, "but not by marriage." "Yes, by marriage," rejoined the gallant, rising.

"If she will consent, I will wed her forthwith." Both Amabel and her mother looked surprised at the young man's declaration, which was uttered with a fervour that seemed to leave no doubt of its sincerity; but the latter, fearing some artifice, replied, "If what you say is true, and you really love my daughter as much as you pretend, this is not the way to win her; for though she can have no pretension to wed with one of your seeming degree, nor is it for her happiness that she should, yet, were she sought by the proudest noble in the land, she shall never, if I can help it, be lightly won.

If your intentions are honourable, you must address yourself, in the first place, to her father, and if he agrees (which I much doubt) that you shall become her suitor, I can make no objection.