The things we do!

But, alas, I haven't that power."
"Is--is she engaged?" asks the Colonel, looking as blank and sad as Clive
himself when Ethel had conversed with him.
"No--I cannot say engaged--though a person of the very highest rank has
paid her the most marked attention. But my sister has, in a way, gone
from our family, and from my influence as the head of it--an influence
which I, I am sure, had most gladly exercised in your favour. My
grandmother, Lady Kew, has adopted her; purposes, I believe, to leave
Ethel the greater part of her fortune, upon certain conditions; and, of
course, expects the--the obedience, and so forth, which is customary in
such cases. By the way, Colonel, is our young soupirant aware that papa
is pleading his cause for him?"
The Colonel said no; and Barnes lauded the caution which his uncle had
displayed. It was quite as well for the young man's interests (which Sir
Barnes had most tenderly at heart) that Clive Newcome should not himself
move in the affair, or present himself to Lady Kew.


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