But the very next day Lord M. came to Harlowe-Place [I was then
absent]; and in his nephew's name made a proposal in form; declaring,
that it was the ambition of all his family to be related to ours: and
he hoped his kinsman would not have such an answer on the part of the
younger sister, as he had on that of the elder.

In short, Mr. Lovelace's visits were admitted as those of a man who
had not deserved disrespect from our family; but as to his address to
me, with a reservation, as above, on my father's part, that he would
determine nothing without his son. My discretion as to the rest was
confided in: for still I had the same objections as to the man: nor
would I, when we were better acquainted, hear any thing but general
talk from him; giving him no opportunity of conversing with me in
private.

He bore this with a resignation little expected from his natural
temper, which is generally reported to be quick and hasty; unused it
seems from childhood to check or controul. A case too common in
considerable families where there is an only son: and his mother never
had any other child. But, as I have heretofore told you, I could
perceive, notwithstanding this resignation, that he had so good an
opinion of himself, as not to doubt, that his person and
accomplishments would insensibly engage me: And could that be once
done, he told my aunt Hervey, he should hope, from so steady a temper,
that his hold in my affections would be durable: While my sister
accounted for his patience in another manner, which would perhaps have
had more force if it had come from a person less prejudiced: 'That the
man was not fond of marrying at all: that he might perhaps have half a
score mistresses: and that delay might be as convenient for his