Perhaps, from her nature, it was idle to expect her to marry in any other way than this; one of the thousand and one unions where the man desires a handsome, lady-like wife for the head of his establishment, and the woman wishes an elegant establishment to be mistress of; so they strike a bargain--possibly as good as most other bargains.
Still, with one faint lingering of hope, Hilary asked if she had quite decided.
"Quite.

He wrote to me last night, and I gave him his answer this morning." Selina certainly had not troubled any body with her "love affairs." It was entirely a matter of business.
The sisters saw at once that she had made up her mind.

Henceforward there could be no criticism of Mr.Peter Ascott.
Now all was told, she talked freely of her excellent prospects.
"He had behaved handsomely--very much so.

He makes a good settlement on me, and says how happy he will be to help my family, so as to enable you always to make a respectable appearance." "We are exceedingly obliged to him." "Don't be sharp, Hilary.

He means well.