CHAPTER IX.

The Elephant and Cock Lobster.

AMONGST the extraneous danglers of the party to Richmond, was a Mr. Wallingford; who, although he had for some time paid a certain degree of attention to Miss Temple, yet had his determination never arrived at that tangible shape which alone would render him "acceptable" in the eyes of Mrs. Temple. In other respects, the dame declared, she felt free to confess, he might do very well for one of the nine. Nay, she even contemplated the disposal of three of her girls, by means of his growing passion; for, although Maria and Jane seemed to be appropriated to the two Stapletons, she had a floating project of sending express to Lincolnshire for a reinforcement, since "the article" seemed to increase in demand. She consulted with her husband on the feasibility of transferring the title expectant of Mrs. Charles Stapleton upon Ellen, who might be sent for, and tutored to her

purpose.

"For, to tell you the truth," said she, "although I should be loth to refuse any one of the three, yet I have somehow my suspicions that Wallingford is better worth catching than Charles Stapleton. I have lately been led to suppose, that the old merchant has picked up a notion somewhere, of making William an elder son."

"Why he is the eldest, is he not ?"

"Yes, yes, but I mean in point of fortune, which, you know, is really a species of pride one does not exactly expect from traders. I have an idea that William will be his principal heir; and Charles, perhaps, have little beyond his profession. We know how difficult it is to get on in the law without decided talent; and, poor fellow, he is not liberally furnished in that respect; besides, appearing to me, rather unsteady than otherwise."

"In that case, my dear, it would hardly be a prudent marriage for either Jane or Ellen, would it?"

"Upon my word, Mr. Temple, one would imagine you lived in the city yourself. To be, at this time of day, sporting the antediluvian expression of 'prudent marriage.' A match is a match-don't you see that, Mr. Temple? and can we expect to find nine good ones?"

"But, my dear, it does not appear on evidence, that any, or all of these three men, have proposed yet."

"Not positively, my love, certainly; but, if I am not greatly mistaken, there is nothing wanting but opportunity for their so doing."

"Egad! Mrs. Temple, I do not think you have stinted them in that particular, I must say."

I

"Do you expect the young men of the present age to be knights errant? To pursue their mistresses with ardour and chivalry, and all that sort of thing? If you had the weary task of matronising through only one season, you would not be so ignorant on the subject, Mr. Temple. have done, it is true, all that mortal mother could do, to assist the girls, yet have I not done more than is absolutely necessary, and universally practised. Moreover, Mr. Temple, if you are not a little more liberal with your champagne in the dinners of the next fortnight, I am by no means secure of success. Recollect, we are in the beginning of August; and, if matters are not arranged within this month, it involves the necessity of going to some wateringplace, or retiring to Lincolnshire, and giving up all chance of every thing."

"You went to Brighton last autumn, if you

recollect, in the full persuasion that Danvers was sufficiently hooked to have followed Maria; yet neither he appeared, nor did any other."

"Brighton, Mr. Temple, is not precisely the field for our girls. I have ascertained that! Their ancles are not calculated for walking the Cliff, or the Steyne, and one must do that, or nothing. There is too much variety, too, at Brighton,-too much gaiety. It is but a continuation, on a smaller scale, of London. should advocate Hastings in preference. It has, I believe, romantic walks, and in sheltered situations-But we will think farther of this, should necessity dictate it."

I

Mrs. Temple had addressed several questions with all possible delicacy to Charles Stapleton respecting his prospects and profession. She failed in obtaining perfect satisfaction on either subject, and the urgency of the case now determined her on bolder measures. She therefore, on her next opportunity of examination, observed," By the bye, you are reading for the bar, I think, Stapleton. I forget whether or no you have been called to it yet.'

"In regard to the bar, Mrs. Temple, you know, many are called-"

"Nay! nay. Now you are going to be pro

L

phane, which is in very bad taste,—comp.etely exploded in civilized society."

"Pardon me, my dear Madam; I was merely going to remark, that many are called, but hitherto I have not formed one of the number."

"Ah! I see. Well, but is not your dear father a little anxious on this point? For instance, now-If you were to marry, what would be your expectations?"

"If I got the woman I liked, I should expect to be very happy and comfortable," returned the youth, in apparent simplicity.

"You are so droll! Stapleton; but you know you are a favourite of mine. Do not, however, think me impertinently inquisitive. It is no business of mine, to be sure; but young people are so careless about their future prospects, What I meant was, in case of your profession not proving satisfactory; and the most brilliant talents, we know, are not always appreciated as they deserve. I really am anxious for your welfare, my dear young friend: in such a case, now, how could you commence housekeeping?"

"Oh, the governor must 'fork out,' I fancy; that is, my father, you know, must come down.' There's nothing else for it that I know of."

"You surely would satisfy yourself on so