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Son. I cannot think, Sir, of marrying by proxy.
Father. You are willing, I find, to give me more trouble than you need. What, must I bring the Lady up to Town on purpose for you to see her, and see whether you like her? What Occasion is there for that? I assure you, like her, or not like her, you are like to take her, or you and I shall differ upon an Article that will be very disagreeable to you.
Son. No, Sir, I'll not give you or the Lady that trouble; I'll go down into the Country, if you please, and see her there.
Father. And what then?
Son. Then, Sir, I'll give you my Answer.
Father. Answer; what d'ye mean by that? I assure you, I shall not come into your Notions, (viz.) of giving you a negative Voice; The Settlements are agreed on, and are sufficient to make you both happy, and to make you live like a Gentleman all your Days. Do you think these are not infinitely of more Consequence than what you call pleasing your loose Fancy? I hope my eldest Son won't be a Fool.
Son. Nay, Sir, if you will not give me a negative Voice.
Father. If I will not, what then? Why, I will not, for I cannot; 'tis ridiculous for you to pretend to dislike, where such a Fortune is settled on [1]you.
- ↑ Here the Father began to be angry, and added some Threatnings to him, and particularly that his second Brother should have her, and all his Estate, so the young Gentleman complied.
Son.
