That Miss Hardcastle was herself of this opinion seems evident from her having enjoined secrecy upon her youthful bridegroom.

They lived together as man and wife, under Mr.Hardcastle's roof, for near six months before their marriage was proclaimed.

Then young Mrs.Carew took a bold step: she persuaded her husband to bring her to his house, under the roof of which his mother was then residing.

But they did not come (as one might have imagined) in the fashion of two runaway lovers, who seek forgiveness for their youthful ardor with penitence and submission.

The bridegroom was full of wild mirth at having at last done something seriously to astonish the world.