all other considerations,
those very feelings might be the sources of error to you. You might, for
instance, concede too much to the claim of affection; or, on the other
hand, be too regardful of the mere worldly consideration. Not that, on
second thoughts, I'd enter upon this to him, I'd simply say a friend in
whom I repose the fullest confidence, has consented to represent me in
this difficult matter. Not swayed as I am by the claims of affection,
he will be able to give a calmer and more dispassionate judgment than
I could. Write to Mr. Calvert, therefore, who is now here, and say what
the mere business aspect of the matter suggests to you to urge. Write to
him frankly, as to one who already is known to your son, and has lived
on terms of intimacy with him. His reply will be mine."

"Is not that a very cold and repelling answer to the good vicar's
letter?"

"I think not, and I suspect it will have one good effect The parson's
style will become natural at once, and you'll see what a very different
fashion he'll write when the letter is addressed to me."

"What will Florence say?"

"Nothing, if she knows nothing. And, of course, if you intend to take
her into your counsels, you must please to omit _me_. I'm not going
to legislate for a young lady's future with herself to vote in the
division!"

"But what's to become of me, if you go away in the middle of the
negotiation, and leave me to finish it?"

"I'll not do so. I'll pledge my word to see you through it. It will be
far shorter than you suspect. The vicar will not play out his hand when
he sees his adversary. You have nothing to do but write as I have told
you; leave the rest to me."

"Florence is sure to ask me what the vicar has written; she knows that I
have had his letter."

"Tell her it is a purely business letter; that his son having been
offered a colonial appointment, he wishes to ascertain what your fortune
his, and how circumstanced, before pledging himself further. Shock her a
little about their worldliness, and leave the remainder to time."

"But Joseph will write to her in the meanwhile and disabuse her of
this."

"Not completely. She'll be annoyed that the news of the colonial place
did not come first from himself; she'll be piqued into something not
very far from distrust; she'll show some vexation when she writes; but
don't play the game before the cards are dealt. Wait, as I say--wait and
see. Meanwhile, give me the vicar's note, for I