Page:A Treatise concerning the Use and Abuse of the Marriage Bed.djvu/209

 Son. I cannot think,, of marrying by proxy.

Father. You are willing, I find, to give me more trouble than you need. What, must I bring the Lady up to Town on purpose for you to see her, and see whether you like her? What Occasion is there for that? I assure you, like her, or not like her, you are like to take her, or you and I shall differ upon an Article that will be very disagreeable to you.

Son. No, Sir, I'll not give you or the Lady that trouble; I'll go down into the Country, if you please, and see her there.

Father. And what then?

Son. Then, Sir, I'll give you my Answer.

Father. Answer; what d'ye mean by that? I assure you, I shall not come into your Notions, (viz.) of giving you a negative Voice; The Settlements are agreed on, and are sufficient to make you both happy, and to make you live like a Gentleman all your Days. Do you think these are not infinitely of more Consequence than what you call pleasing your loose Fancy? I hope my eldest Son won't be a Fool.

Son. Nay, Sir, if you will not give me a negative Voice.

Father. If I will not, what then? Why, I will not, for I cannot; 'tis ridiculous for you to pretend to dislike, where such a Fortune is settled on you.