"When I think of her demeanour, I can hardly believe
it! But did you hear nothing of your little sisters?"
"I did not ask. In truth I was confounded by a proposal that was
made to me. If I will immediately marry my mother's darling, Lady
Belle, I may have leave of absence from her and my regiment, both
at once, and go to meet Mr. Wayland if I like, or at any rate make
the grand tour, while they try to break in my charming bride for
me. Of course I said that, being a married man, nothing should
induce me to break the law, nor to put any lady in such a position;
and equally, of course, I was shown a lawyer's opinion that the
transaction was invalid."
"As I always believed," said his uncle. "The ceremony must be
repeated when we find her: though even if you were willing, the other
parties are very ill-advised to press for a marriage without judgment
first being delivered, how far the present is binding. So she wants
to send you off on your travels, does she?"
"She wishes me to go and arrange for her husband's ransom," said the
Major. "I would be ready enough were my child only found, but I
believe government would take it up, he being on his Majesty's service."
"It is a mere device for disposing of you--yes, and of my nephew too,"
said Mr.
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