neither old nor ugly.'

I was silent, though I might have said,
'He is neither young nor handsome.'

'My dear Fanny,' continued my mother,
'in sober seriousness you have been most
fortunate in engaging the affections of a
nobleman such as Lord Glenfallen, young
and wealthy, with first-rate--yes, acknowledged
FIRST-RATE abilities, and of a family
whose influence is not exceeded by that of
any in Ireland. Of course you see the offer
in the same light that I do--indeed I think
you MUST.'

This was uttered in no very dubious
tone. I was so much astonished by the
suddenness of the whole communication that
I literally did not know what to say.

'You are not in love?' said my mother,
turning sharply, and fixing her dark eyes
upon me with severe scrutiny.

'No, madam,' said I, promptly; horrified,
as what young lady would not have been,
at such a query.

'I'm glad to hear it,' said my mother,