young man like
you, Mr Newland, who could command an alliance into the highest, yes,
the very highest families--and let me tell you, Mr Newland, that there
is nothing like connection--money is of no consequence to you, but
connection, Mr Newland, is what you should look for--connection with
some high family, and then you will do well. I should like to see you
settled--well settled, I mean, Mr Newland. Now that you are rid of the
major, who has ruined many young men in his time, I trust you will
seriously think of settling down into a married man. Cecilia, my dear,
show your tambour work to Mr Newland, and ask him his opinion. Is it
not beautiful, Mr Newland?"

"Extremely beautiful, indeed, ma'am," replied I, glad at last that her
ladyship allowed me to speak a word.

"Emma, my dear, you look pale, you must go out into the air. Go,
children, put your bonnets on and take a turn in the garden; when the
carriage comes round I will send for you."

The young ladies quitted the room. "Nice innocent girls, Mr Newland;
but you are not partial to blondes, I believe?"

"Indeed, Lady Maelstrom, I infinitely prefer the blonde to the
brunette."

"That proves your taste, Mr Newland. The Fairfaxes are of a very old
family--Saxon, Mr Newland. _Fairfax_ is Saxon for light hair. Is is
not remarkable that they should be blondes to this day? Pure blood, Mr
Newland. You, of course, have heard of General Fairfax in the time of
Cromwell. He was their direct ancestor--an excellent family and highly
connected, Mr Newland. You are aware that they are my nieces. My
sister married Mr Fairfax."

I paid the Misses Fairfax the compliments which I thought they really
deserved, for they were very pretty amiable girls, and required no
puffing on the part of her ladyship; and then I commenced. "Your
ladyship has expressed such kind wishes towards me, that I cannot be
sufficiently grateful; but, perhaps, your ladyship may think me
romantic, I am resolved never to marry, except for love."

"A very excellent resolve, Mr Newland; there are few young men who care
about love now-a-days, but I consider that love is a great security for
happiness in the wedded state."

"True, madam, and what can be more delightful than a first attachment?
I appeal to your ladyship, was not your first attachment the most
delightful--are not the reminiscences most lasting--do you not, even
now, call to mind those halcyon days when love was all and everythi