Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/219

Rh Ashton's softness of temper, in order to seduce a young person into engagements without her parents' consent, and of which they never can approve."

Both gentlemen answered at once,—"My kinsman is incapable"said the Lord Marquis.

"I am confident that my daughter Lucy is still more incapable"said the Lord Keeper.

Lady Ashton at once interrupted, and replied to them both,—"My Lord Marquis, your kinsman, if Mr Ravenswood has the honour to be so, has made this attempt privately to secure the affections of this young and inexperienced girl.—Sir William Ashton, your daughter has been simple enough to give more encouragement than she ought to have done to so very improper a suitor."

"And I think, madam," said the Lord Keeper, losing his accustomed temper and patience, "that if you had nothing better