or fidelity and all the other long list
of matrimonial virtues afterwards. I am perfectly charmed with your
sentiments. Indeed I was scarcely prepared for this. Our position will
be delightful. The only thing I have any apprehension of is, lest this
wholesome aversion might gradually soften into fondness, which, you
know, would be rather unpleasant to us both."

"My lord," replied Lucy, rising up with disdain and indignation glowing
in her face, "there is one sentiment due to every woman whose conduct
is well regulated and virtuous--that sentiment is, respect. From you on
this occasion, at least, and on this subject especially, I had thought
myself entitled to it. I find I have been mistaken, however. Such
a sentiment is utterly incompatible with the heartless tirade of
buffoonery in which you have indulged. This dialogue is very painful, my
lord. I have already intimated to you that I am prepared to fulfil the
engagement into which my father has entered with you. I know--I feel
what the result will be--you are to consider me your victim, my lord, as
well as your wife."

"Excuse me, Miss Gourlay, I was utterly unconscious of any buffoonery.
Upon my honor, I expressed on the subject of matrimony no principles
that I do not feel; but as to your charge of disrespect, I solemnly
assure you there is not an individual of your sex in existence whom
I respect more highly; nor do I believe there is a lady living more
signally entitled to it from all who have the honor to know her."

"Then, if you be serious, my lord, it betrays a painful equality between
your understanding and your heart. No man with such a heart should enter
into the state of matrimony at all; and no man with an understanding
level to such principles is capable either of communicating or receiving
happiness."

"Well, then, suppose I say that I shall submit myself in everything to
your wishes?"

"Then I should reply, that the husband capable of doing so would
experience from me a sentiment little short of contempt. What, my lord!
so soon to abandon your favorite principles! That is a proof, I fear,
that, after all, you place but little value on them."

"Well, but I know I have not been so good a boy as I ought to have been;
I have been naughty now and then; and as I intend to reform, I shall
make you my guide and adviser. I assure you, I am perfectly serious in
the reformation. It shall be on quite an original scale. I intend to
repent, Miss Gourlay; but,