Otherwise I know her to be so mercenary that
(though she really hath a great phancy for this handsome ladd) without
money she would not hear of him. All I could, and more than I ought, I
have done to prevent the match. What and more I will not say in writing;
but that I am, for Henry Esmond's sake, his grandson's sincerest friend,
and madam,--Your faithful sister and servant, BEATRIX BARONESS DE
BERNSTEIN.

"To Mrs. Esmond Warrington of Castlewood, in Virginia."

On the back of this letter is written, in Madam Esmond's hand, "My
sister Bernstein's letter, received with Henry's December 24 on receipt
of which it was determined my son should instantly go home."

CHAPTER XLII. Fortunatus Nimium

Though Harry Warrington persisted in his determination to keep that
dismal promise which his cousin had extracted from him, we trust no
benevolent reader will think so ill of him as to suppose that the
engagement was to the young fellow's taste, and that he would not be
heartily glad to be rid of it. Very likely the beating administered to
poor Will was to this end; and Harry may have thought, "A boxing-match
between us is sure to bring on a quarrel with the family; in the quarrel
with the family, Maria may take her brother's side. I, of course,
will make no retraction or apology. Will, in that case, may call me to
account, when I know which is the better man. In the midst of the feud,
the agreement may come to an end, and I may be a free man once more."

So honest Harry laid his train, and fired it: but, the explosion over,
no harm was found to be done, except that William Esmond's nose was
swollen, and his eye black for a week. He did not send a challenge to
his cousin, Harry Warrington; and, in consequence, neither killed Harry,
nor was killed by him. Will was knocked down, and he got up again. How
many men of sense would do the same, could they get their little account
settled in a private place, with nobody to tell how the score was paid!
Maria by no means took her family's side in the quarrel, but declared
for her cousin, as did my lord, when advised of the disturbance. Will
had struck the first blow, Lord Castlewood said, by the chaplain's
showing. It was not the first or the tenth time he had been found
quarrelling in his cups. Mr. Warrington only showed a proper spirit in
resenting the injury, and it was for Will, not for Harry, to ask pardon.

Harry said he would accept no apology as long as his horse was