Jump to content

Page:The Vicar of Wakefield (Volume 2) - Goldsmith (1766, 1st edition).djvu/204

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
202
The Vicar of Wakefield.

lessen his anxiety.—"I must confess, Sir," cried he, "that your present disappoint­ment does not entirely displease me. Your immoderate passion for wealth is now justly punished. But tho' the young lady cannot be rich, she has still a com­petence sufficient to give content. Here you see an honest young soldier, who is wil­ling to take her without fortune; they have long loved each other, and for the friendship I bear his father, my interest shall not be wanting for his promotion. Leave then that ambition which disap­points you, and for once admit hap­happiness which courts your acceptance."

"Sir William," replied the old gentle­man, "be assured I never yet forced her inclinations, nor will I now. If she still continues to love this young gentleman, let her have him with all my heart. There is still, thank heaven, some fortune left, and your promise will make it"some-