'I haven't chosen anyone, Aunt Harriet.'

'Well;--to speak fairly. I thought you had; and I have nothing
to say against your choice. As young men go, I think Mr Lopez is
as good as the best of them. I don't know why you shouldn't have
him. Of course you'll have money, but then I suppose he makes a
large income himself. As to Mr Fletcher, you don't care a bit
about him.'

'Not in that way certainly.'

'No doubt your papa will have it out with you just now; so you
had better make up your mind what you will say to him. If you
really like the man, I don't see why you shouldn't say so, and
stick to it. He has made a regular offer, and girls these days
are not expected to be their father's slaves.' Emily said
nothing further to her aunt on that occasion, but finding that
she must in truth 'have it out' with her father presently, gave
herself up to reflection. It might probably be the case that the
whole condition of her future life would depend on the way in
which she might now 'have it out' with her father.

I would not wish the reader to be prejudiced against Miss Wharton
by the most unnatural feeling which perhaps may be felt in regard
to the aunt. Mrs Roby was pleased with little intrigues, was
addicted to the amusement of fostering love affairs, was fond of
being thought to be useful in such matters, and was not averse to
having presents given to her. She had married a vulgar man; and
though she had not become like the man, she had become vulgar.
She was not an eligible companion for Mr Wharton's daughter,--a