She will have the less to learn when she becomes a countess, and a woman of fashion." "Are you serious, my lord ?" said Mowbray.
"I am--and I will speak my mind still more plainly.

I have good temper, and excellent spirits, and can endure a good deal of singularity in those I live with.

I have no doubt your sister and I will live happily together--But in case it should prove otherwise, arrangements may be made previously, which will enable us in certain circumstances to live happily apart.

My own estate is large, and Nettlewood will bear dividing." "Nay, then," said Mowbray, "I have little more to say--nothing indeed remains for enquiry, so far as your lordship is concerned.

But my sister must have free liberty of choice--so far as I am concerned, your lordship's suit has my interest." "And I trust we may consider it as a done thing ?" "With Clara's approbation--certainly," answered Mowbray.
"I trust there is no chance of personal repugnance on the young lady's part ?" said the young peer.
"I anticipate nothing of the kind, my lord," answered Mowbray, "as I presume there is no reason for any; but young ladies will be capricious, and if Clara, after I have done and said all that a brother ought to do, should remain repugnant, there is a point in the exertion of my influence which it would be cruelty to pass." The Earl of Etherington walked a turn through the apartment, then paused, and said, in a grave and doubtful tone, "In the meanwhile, I am bound, and the young lady is free, Mowbray.