Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/82

lxx much occupied with the things of this world, seems always to have had a keen eye to her own interests and those of her family, applied to Evelyn to propose the marriage of her son, Lord Spencer, to the daughter and rich heiress of his friend. Sir Stephen Fox; a negotiation which he reluctantly undertook, but which will be better explained in his own words.

"16th May.Came my Lady Sunderland to desire that I would propose a match to Sir Stephen Fox, for her son, Lord Spencer, to marry Mrs. Jane, Sir Stephen's daughter, I excused myself all I was able; for the truth is, I was afraid he would prove an extravagant man; for, though a youth of extraordinary parts, and had an excellent education to render him a worthy man, yet his early inclination to extravagance made me apprehensive that I should not serve Sir Stephen by proposing it like a friend ; this being now his only daughter, well-bred, and likely to receive a large share of her father's opulence. Lord Sunderland was much sunk in his estate by gaming and other prodigalities, and was now no longer Secretary of State, having fallen into displeasure of the King for siding with the Commons about the succession; but which, I am assured, he did not do out of his