"We have had
nothing of this sort of thing lately."
"Papa, it is because I have misconducted myself. I am a foolish,
imprudent girl. I have been flirting with Mr. Falcon, and he has taken a
CRUEL advantage of it--proposed to me--this very afternoon--actually!"
"Has he? Well, he is a fine fellow, and has a landed estate in Norfolk.
There's nothing like land. They may well call it real property--there is
something to show; you can walk on it, and ride on it, and look out of
window at it: that IS property."
"Oh, papa! what are you saying? Would you have me marry one man when I
belong to another?"
"But you don't belong to any one except to me."
"Oh, yes; I do. I belong to my dear Christopher."
"Why, you dismissed him before my very eyes; and very ill you behaved,
begging your pardon. The man was your able physician and your best
friend, and said nothing that was not for your good; and you treated him
like a dog."
"Yes, but he has apologized."
"What for? being treated like a dog?"
"Oh, don't say so, papa! At all events, he has apologized, as a
gentleman should whenever--whenever"--
"Whenever a lady is in the wrong."
"Don't, papa; and I have asked him to dinner."
"With all my heart.
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