His attendance was by this means secured, and the rest followed in course.

Instead of talking of Edward, they came gradually to talk only of Robert,--a subject on which he had always more to say than on any other, and in which she soon betrayed an interest even equal to his own; and in short, it became speedily evident to both, that he had entirely supplanted his brother.

He was proud of his conquest, proud of tricking Edward, and very proud of marrying privately without his mother's consent.

What immediately followed is known.

They passed some months in great happiness at Dawlish; for she had many relations and old acquaintances to cut--and he drew several plans for magnificent cottages;--and from thence returning to town, procured the forgiveness of Mrs.Ferrars, by the simple expedient of asking it, which, at Lucy's instigation, was adopted.