"Certainly not, and I hope she never may be. I declared the notion
was not to be entertained for a moment; but Urania never, in her
life, would take no for an answer, and she talked me nearly out of
my senses, then bade me go home, think it over, and discuss it with
my excellent and prudent daughter; as if all the thinking and talking
in the world could make it anything but more intolerable."

His prudent daughter understood in the adjective applied to her a
hint which the wily lady would not have dared to make direct to
the high-spirited old soldier, namely, that the continuance of his
livelihood might depend on his consent. Betty knew likewise enough
of the terrible world of the early eighteenth century to be aware
that even such wedlock as this was not the worst to which a woman
like Lady Belamour might compel the poor girl, who was entirely in
her power, and out of reach of all protection; unless-- An idea
broke in on her--"If we could but go to Bowstead, sir," she said,
"then we could judge whether the notion be as repugnant to Aurelia
as it is to us, and whether Mr. Belamour be truly rational and fit
to be trusted with her."

"I tell you, Betty, it is a mere absurdity to think of it. I believe
the child is fond of, and grateful to, the poor man, but if she
supposed she loved him, it would be mere playing on her ignorance."

"Then we could take her safely home and bear the consequences together,
without leaving her alone exposed to any fresh machination of my Lady."

"You are right, Betty. You have all your sainted mother's good sense.
I will tell my cousin that this is not a matter to be done blindly,