These expectants seem to be so happy, that if Mr Dennison had an
agreeable daughter, I believe I should be for making the third
couple in this country dance. The humour seems to be infectious;
for Clinker, alias Loyd, has a month's mind to play the fool, in
the same fashion, with Mrs Winifred Jenkins. He has even sounded
me on the subject; but I have given him no encouragement to
prosecute this scheme -- I told him I thought he might do better,
as there was no engagement nor promise subsisting; that I did not
know what designs my uncle might have formed for his advantage;
but I was of opinion, that he should not, at present, run the
risque of disobliging him by any premature application of this
nature -- Honest Humphry protested he would suffer death sooner
than do or say any thing that should give offence to the 'squire:
but he
owned he had a kindness for the young woman, and had reason to
think she looked upon him with a favourable eye; that he
considered this mutual manifestation of good will, as an
engagement understood, which ought to be binding to the
conscience of an honest man; and he hoped the 'squire and I would
be of the same opinion, when we should be at leisure to bestow
any thought about the matter -- I believe he is in the right; and
we shall find time to take his case into consideration -- You see
we are fixed for some weeks at least, and as you have had a long
respite, I hope you will begin immediately to discharge the
arrears due to
Your affectionate,
J.
Pages:
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609