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152 borne the sight of his crutch," said she, "but the crutch and the nephew together really oppress me like a mephitic vapour." "They appear to me exactly suited to each other; when a man's infirmities compel him to the use of one, it is happy that the other should be supplied to his affections." "But it says as plain as can be, I find myself old, or poorly; I have given up all thoughts of marrying, and consider my nephew my heir." "It does that, certainly and properly, in the present case." "You have been a short time a peeress, or would have known better the value of strawberry leaves on a coronet. You don't suppose, if I could have induced the marquis to propose for Helen, that she would have thought much of his crutch; indeed, I should have taken care she should not; but the nephew gives the coup de main to all my hopes. It is really dreadful, for, though convalescent, I am not strong, I confess." "Dear mamma, don't trouble yourself about Helen; she is very lovely, and very young, very amiable, too, and by no means desirous of marrying, I dare say." "More shame for her, she ought to think of her mother, in my opinion; if you look at her, you will see how I have thought for her. I have lent