Louis caught up the missive. It was the letter of a very angry man,
too violent to retain the cold formality which he tried to assume.
'He was beholden to his lordship for his solicitude about his
daughter. It was of a piece with other assistance formerly rendered
to him in his domestic arrangements, for which he was equally
obliged. He was happy to inform his lordship that, in this instance,
his precautions had been uncalled for; and referred him to a letter
which he would receive from Mr. Dynevor by the same mail, for an
explanation of the circumstances to which he referred. He had been
informed, by undoubted authority, that Lord Fitzjocelyn had done his
daughter the honour of soliciting her hand. It might console his
lordship to learn that, should the union take place, the whole of his
property would be secured to Mrs. Ponsonby, and his daughter's sole
fortune would be that which she inherited by her mother's marriage
settlements. Possibly this intelligence might lead to a cessation of
these flattering attentions.'

'Mrs. Ponsonby! he can mention her in the same sentence with Mary's
mother!' said the Earl.

Louis turned pale as he read, and scarcely breathed as he looked up
at his father, dreading that he might so resent the studied affronts
as to wish to break off the connexion, and that he might have him
likewise to contend with; but on that score he was set at rest. The
Earl replied to his exclamation of angry dismay, 'It is little more
than I looked for. It is not the first letter I have had from him.
I find he has some just cause for offence. The marriage is less
disgraceful than I had been led to believe. Here is Oliver Dynevor's
testimony.'