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Rh

The world makes great allowance, my good sir, for young men of fashion in my situation; knowing us to be of a free, careless, and liberal disposition, it calls us not strictly to account in matters of elopement.

A liberal disposition! No, sir; more selfish than the miser who hides his hoarded gold in the earth. I wish you had made what is really right, and not what the world thinks allowable, the rule of your conduct.

I shan't argue with you about conduct, Sir John: It is a devilish awkward word in a young fellow's mouth: but if you will do me the honour of visiting me in town next winter, I shall introduce you to such society and amusements as country gentlemen have not always the opportunity of knowing. You will, I doubt not, have more deference for the world when you are better acquainted with it.

You are infinitely obliging, my most liberal sir.—And so this is all the apology you mean to offer for deceiving a young girl, and making her the victim of your frivolous and fantastical wants?