"Something of her own? Her own, indeed! Mother, she has that of her
own which is the very thing to help and inspire me to make a name,
and work out an idea, worth far more than any pounds, shillings, and
pence, or even houses or lands I might get with a serene and solemn
dame, even with clear notions as to those same L. s. d.!"

"For shame, Joe! You may be as much in love as you please, but don't
be wicked."

For this description was applicable to the bride whom Robert had
presented to them about a year ago, on retiring with a Colonel's
rank.

"So I may be as much in love as I please? Thank you. I always knew
you were the very best mother in the world:" and he came and kissed
her.

"I wonder what she will say, the dear child!"

"May be that she has no taste for such an old fellow. Hush, mother.
Seriously, my chief scruple is whether it be fair to ask a girl to
marry a man twice her age, when she has absolutely seen nothing of
his kind but the German master!"

"Trust her," said Mrs. Brownlow. "Nay, she never could have a freer
choice than now, when she is too young and simple to be weighted with
a sense of being looked down on. It is possible that she may be
startled at first, but I think it will be only at life opening on
her; so don't be daunted, and imagine it is your old age and
infirmity," said the mother, smoothing back the locks which certainly