and that I withhold my reply till I have seen and spoken with her and
this most preposterous of suitors."

"Yes, it is the only way," said Betty. "We can then judge whether it
be a cruel sacrifice, or whether the child have affection and confidence
enough in him to be reasonably happy with him. What is his age, father?"

"Let me see. Poor Sir Jovian was much older than Urania, but he died
at forty years old. His brother was some three years his junior. He
cannot be above forty-six or seven. That is not the objection, but
the moody melancholy--Think of our gay sprightly child!"

"We will see, sir."

"We! Mistress Betty? The cost will be severe without you!"

"Nay, sir, I cannot rest without going too; you might be taken ill."

"You cannot trust a couple of old campaigners like Palmer and me?
What did we do without you?"

"Got lamed for life," said Betty, saucily. "No, I go on a pillion
behind Palmer, and my grandfather's diamond ring shall pay expenses."

"Sir Archibald's ring that he put on two baby fingers of yours when
he went off to Scotland."

"Better part with that then resign my Aurelia in the dark, uncertain
whether it be for her good."