also yours. If you fear _undue influence_ from any of your relations in
favour of Mr. Vincent's large fortune, &c. let his proposal remain a
secret between ourselves, till you can decide, from farther acquaintance
with him, whether it will be in your power to return his affection."

"I fear, my dear Lady Anne," cried Belinda, "that it is not in my power to
return his affection."

"And may I ask your objections?"

"Is it not a sufficient objection, that I am persuaded I cannot love him?"

"No; for you may be mistaken in that persuasion. Remember what we said a
little while ago, about _fancy and spontaneous affections_. Does Mr.
Vincent appear to you defective in any of the qualities which you think
essential to happiness? Mr. Percival has known him from the time he was a
man, and can answer for his integrity and his good temper. Are not these
the first points you would consider? They ought to be, I am sure, and I
believe they are. Of his understanding I shall say nothing, because you
have had full opportunities of judging of it from his conversation."

"Mr. Vincent appears to have a good understanding," said Belinda.

"Then to what do you object?--Is there any thing disgusting to you in his
person or manners?"

"He is very handsome, he is well bred, and his manners are unaffected,"
said Belinda; "but--do not accuse me of caprice--altogether he does not
suit my taste; and I cannot think it sufficient not to feel disgust for a
husband--though I believe this is the fashionable doctrine."