The Land Claim — page 123: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

MARRYING AN HEIRESS. 119 to-morrow, Mrs. Wyman? I shall wish to haye their company _ down the river the day after.” . The good woman expressed her willingness to do her part toward the wedding preparations. , __ “This is giving you little time to prepare for a long tour, Mr. Allen,” said Sir Deming, after some little time spent in discussing the possibility of so hasty a marriage. “But I have engagements which I wish to meet, in several of the cities. Perhaps your business may be left with a friend ?” “T fear,” returned Allen, endeavoring to be composed, and failing most signally, “ that you will think me very captious. I can not help suggesting that, as I am not rich, and Alicia is yet young, it might be prudent to delay our marriage for two or three years, while I am getting money, and she is going to some educational institution suitable to her rank. In short, Sir Deming, I am not at present prepared to join you in your extensive plans of travel, on account of my very moderate means.” . “Soho! Republican pride again. ‘When a young English aristocrat marries an heiress, he is not so nice about these matters. But, my dear Allen, let me answer both your sug- gestions at once. As to Alicia’s education, it is my theory that there are no better teachers than books and travel. From these we learn every thing it is important to know, and in a pleasanter manner than masters and governesses know how to impart them. Yet, if masters are desirable, we can still have them. ~ Regarding an adequate supply of funds—I propose to be purser on this yoyage; and you need feel no delicacy in accepting moneys which can well be spared from Alicia's ample income. Does that satisfy you?” Allen was expressing his pleasure at the kindness which was almost forced upon him, when the appearance of the constable, diverted the conversation. , “We have the whole matter settled, Wyman,” said Sir Deming, grasping the constable’s hand. “Nothing now _Yemains but for you to give these young people your blessing ; andl to confess that, as my confidential correspondent, you have played the part of spy upon them, since last spring.” “ Yes, it’s a fact,” Wyman said, in answer to their wonder- ing looks. “’Tain’t in my natur’, tho’, to be a spy, and it comilicbooks.com -