Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/24

 person as Miss Hautweitzer, who, however beautiful and accomplished, was deficient in those requisites which parents too generally looked upon as absolutely essential in a union for life. His own sentiments were far more liberal: Convinced that he should possess a very handsome fortune in his own right, he was perfectly indifferent to the want of it in a person from whom he was to derive his future happiness, which could not be dependent on money. He besought the Abbe's interest with me; said, that he would immediately write to his father of his intentions, and ask his consent, a compliment certainly due to him, but from which he frankly owned he expected nothing agreeable to his wishes, knowing too well the disposition of his father in such matters. However, be the event what it might, it should make no alteration in his sentiments; his present income would be sufficient for competency and happiness; his paternal fortune could not be alienated from him."