Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/21

 Listen to this. It's from Uncle William. He's a clergyman, you know. "My dear Niece,—I have heard with great gratification of your engagement. Your aunt and I unite in all good wishes. I recollect Lord Mickleham's father when I held a curacy near Worcester. He was a regular attendant at church and a supporter of all good works in the diocese. If only his son takes after him" (fancy Archie!) "you have secured a prize. I hope you have a proper sense of the responsibilities you are undertaking. Marriage affords no small opportunities; it also entails certain trials

'Why, you're reading Aunt Georgiana again.'

'Am I? No, it's Uncle William.'

'Then let's try a fresh cast—unless you'll finish Georgy Vane's.'

'Well, here's Cousin Susan's. She's an old maid, you know. It's very long. Here's a bit: "Woman has it in her power to exercise a sacred influence. I have not the pleasure of knowing Lord Mickleham, but I hope, my dear, that you will use your power over him for good. It is useless for me to deny that when you stayed with me I thought you were addicted to frivolity. Doubtless marriage will sober you. Try to make a good use of its lessons. I am sending you a biscuit tin"—and so on.'

'A very proper letter,' said I.

Miss Dolly indulged in a slight grimace and took up another letter.

'This,' she said, 'is from my sister-in-law, Mrs. Algernon Foster.'