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thematchandthewholebusinessseemedmostcomfortablyarranged.TheycouldnoneofthemhelpperceivingthatSirJameswasnoSolomonbutIhadpositivelyforbiddenFredericacomplainingtoCharlesVernonorhiswife,andtheyhadthereforenopretenceforinterferencethoughmyimpertinentsister,Ibelieve,wantedonlyopportunityfordoingso.Everything,however,wasgoingoncalmlyandquietlyand,thoughIcountedthehoursofSirJames’sstay,mymindwasentirelysatisfiedwiththepostureofaffairs.Guess,then,whatImustfeelatthesuddendisturbanceofallmyschemesandthat,too,fromaquarterwhereIhadleastreasontoexpectit.Reginaldcamethismorningintomydressing-roomwithaveryunusualsolemnityofcountenance,andaftersomeprefaceinformedmeinsomanywordsthathewishedtoreasonwithmeontheimproprietyandunkindnessofallowingSirJamesMartintoaddressmydaughtercontrarytoherinclinations.Iwasallamazement.WhenIfoundthathewasnottobelaughedoutofhisdesign,Icalmlybeggedanexplanation,anddesiredtoknowbywhathewasimpelled,andbywhomcommissioned,toreprimandme.Hethentoldme,mixinginhisspeechafewinsolentcomplimentsandill-timedexpressionsoftenderness,towhichIlistenedwithperfectindifference,thatmydaughterhadacquaintedhimwithsomecircumstancesconcerningherself,SirJames,andmewhichhadgivenhimgreatuneasiness.Inshort,Ifoundthatshehadinthefirstplaceactuallywrittentohimtorequesthisinterference,andthat,onreceivingherletter,hehadconversedwithheronthesubjectofit,inordertounderstandtheparticulars,andtoassurehimselfofherrealwishes.Ihavenotadoubtbutthatthegirltookthisopportunityofmakingdownrightlovetohim.Iamconvincedofitbythemannerinwhichhespokeofher.Muchgoodmaysuchlovedohim!Ishalleverdespisethemanwhocanbegratifiedbythepassionw