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Rh into the world, and with your cards all played beforehand and played so well too. And I might have saved myself all that trouble about Lord Martingale. Oh! I can scarcely forgive you for no telling me. We must bring them forward; I suppose they are improveable. Harrow and Oxford and the Continent they have done their best for him, and you must not mind what a flippant fellow like Staunton says, who would give his ears for such a position. John Derrick does not sound very aristocratic, but Lady-Eveline Derrick will do."

"But my dearest aunt, I am sure I do not like him well enough. I really was taken by surprise at his offer, and they all said that I had engaged myself when I had no intention of doing so. Oh! do, dear aunt, help me out of this terrible entanglement," and Eveline burst into tears.

"Nonsense, my dear child; it is the best thing that could possibly happen. I would have done the best I could for you, but I don't think you are likely to take in the set I mix with, and you know the Derricks are immensely rich. One is sure of property that is newly acquired, whereas no one can tell the incumbrances that are on old estates, and I am very glad that Darlington and your mamma exerted a little parental authority to reassure you."