then, as Arthur looked delighted, and was ready to break into a
rhapsody--'Her simplicity especially. When you write you had better
mention her entire ignorance of the want of sanction. I cannot think
how she was kept in such unconsciousness.'

'She knows nothing of people's ways,' said Arthur. 'She knew you were
all abroad, and her own family told her it was all right. Her father
is a bit of a tyrant, and stopped the mother's mouth, I fancy, if she
had any doubts. As to herself, it was much too pretty to see her so
happy, to let her set up her little scruples. She did just as she was
told, like a good child.'

'O Arthur! you have undertaken a great responsibility!' exclaimed John.

But Arthur, without seeming to heed, continued, 'So you see she is
quite clear; but I'll write, and you shall see if it is not enough to
satisfy my father, before he sets us going respectably.'

'I can't answer for anything of that sort.'

'Something he must do,' said Arthur, 'for my allowance is not enough to
keep a cat; and as to the ninth part of old Moss's pickings and
stealings, if I meant to dirty my fingers with it, it won't be to be
come by till he is disposed of, and that won't be these thirty years.'

'Then, he let you marry without settling anything on her!'

'He was glad to have her off his hands on any terms. Besides, to tell
you the truth, John, I am convinced he had no notion you would ever
come home again. He knew I saw his game, and dreaded I should be off;