Proceed." "Why, Frank, one would think that you were a sultan with his handkerchief.

There is Lady Selina Armstrong." "Well, she is a very fine girl, and talks well." "There is Harriet Butler, who has just come out." "I saw her at the last ball we were at--a very pretty creature." "Lady Jemima Calthorpe." "Not very good-looking, but clever and agreeable." "There is Louisa Manners, who is very much admired." "I admire her very much myself." "Well, Frank, you have exhausted my catalogue.

There is not one I have mentioned who is not unexceptionable, and whom I would gladly embrace as a daughter-in-law.

You are now turned of forty, my dear son, and must make up your mind to have heirs to the title and estates.

I am, however, afraid that your admiration is so general, that you will be puzzled in your choice." "I will confess to you, my dearest mother, that I have many years thought of the necessity of taking to myself a wife, but have never yet had courage to decide.