Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/22

 'A daughter of Lord Doldrums, wasn't she?'

'Yes. "My dear Dorothea,—I have heard your news. I do hope it will turn out happily. I believe that any woman who conscientiously does her duty can find happiness in married life. Her husband and children occupy all her time and all her thoughts, and if she can look for few of the lighter pleasures of life she has at least the knowledge that she is of use in the world. Please accept the accompanying volumes" (it's Browning) "as a small" I say, Mr. Carter, do you think it's really like that?' 'There is still time to draw back,' I observed.

'Oh, don't be silly. Here, this is my brother Tom's. "Dear Dol,—I thought Mickleham rather an ass when I met him, but I daresay you know best. What's his place like? Does he take a moor? I thought I read that he kept a yacht. Does he? Give him my love and a kiss. Good luck, old girl.—Tom. P.S.—I'm glad it's not me, you know.

'A disgusting letter,' I observed.

'Not at all,' said Miss Dolly, dimpling. 'It's just like dear old Tom. Listen to grandpapa's. "My dear Granddaughter,—The alliance" (I rather like it's being called an alliance, Mr. Carter. It sounds like the Royal Family, doesn't it?) "you are about to contract is in all respects a suitable one. I send you my blessing, and a small cheque to help towards your trousseau.—Yours affectionately, Jno. Wm Foster.

'That,' said I, 'is the best up to now.'