and, by the by, shut the window, my love, it is an easterly wind)—I wish that we may come to a clear and distinct understanding. Hem!—give me your hand, my child,—I think on these matters one can scarcely speak too precisely, and to the purpose; although I am well aware—for, for my own part, I always wish to act to every one, to you especially, my dearest child, with the greatest consideration—that we must go to work with as much delicacy as conciseness. You know this Captain Clifford—'tis a brave youth, is it not?—well—nay, never blush so deeply, there is nothing—(for in these matters one can't have all one's wishes,—one can't have every thing)—to be ashamed of! Tell me now, child, dost think he is in love with thee?"
If Lucy did not immediately answer by words, her pretty lips moved as if she could readily reply, and finally they settled into so sweet and so assured a smile, that the Squire, fond as he was of "precise" conversation, was in want of no fuller answer to his question.
