Perhaps Miss Palliser will allow me, through you, to
request her to consider my proposal with more deliberation
than was allowed to me before, when I spoke to her perhaps
with injudicious hurry.
So far the Squire adopted his cousin's words without alteration.
I am the owner of my own property,--which is more than
everybody can say. My income is nearly L4,000 a year. I
shall be willing to make any proper settlement that may
be recommended by the lawyers,--though I am strongly of
opinion that an estate shouldn't be crippled for the
sake of the widow. As to refurnishing the old house, and
all that, I'll do anything that Miss Palliser may please.
She knows my taste about hunting, and I know hers, so that
there need not be any difference of opinion on that score.
Miss Palliser can't suspect me of any interested motives.
I come forward because I think she is the most charming
girl I ever saw, and because I love her with all my heart.
I haven't got very much to say for myself, but if she'll
consent to be the mistress of Spoon Hall, she shall have
all that the heart of a woman can desire.
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