I hope he will not disappoint you; and I am sure that it is not his fault if he ever seems to neglect you. He spoke of you to me, when I saw him, in the kindest and most affectionate manner. I do think, my dear father, that he loves you very much."

"Ahem!" said the squire, evidently flattered, and yet not completely convinced. "My brother Will is a very acute fellow, and I make no question, but that— (when you have seen as much of the world as I have, you will grow suspicious) he thought that any good word said of me to my daughter, would— (you see, Lucy, I am as clear-sighted as my neighbors, though I don't give myself all their airs; which I very well might do, considering my great great great grandfather, Hugo Brandon, had a hand in detecting the Gunpowder Plot) — be told to me again!"

"Nay, but I am quite sure my uncle never spoke of you to me with that intention. 