The
returned traveller much desired to obtain the Squire's assent, as
well as his wife's, to the proposed visit to his bride, that nothing
might seem harsh or forced in his method of taking his position as
one of the family. But though he anticipated some sort of objection
from his father-in-law, in consequence of Mrs. Dornell's warning, he
was surprised at the announcement of the Squire in person.
Stephen Reynard formed the completest of possible contrasts to
Dornell as they stood confronting each other in the best parlour of
the Bristol tavern. The Squire, hot-tempered, gouty, impulsive,
generous, reckless; the younger man, pale, tall, sedate, self-
possessed--a man of the world, fully bearing out at least one
couplet in his epitaph, still extant in King's-Hintock church, which
places in the inventory of his good qualities
'Engaging Manners, cultivated Mind,
Adorn'd by Letters, and in Courts refin'd.'
He was at this time about five-and-thirty, though careful living and
an even, unemotional temperament caused him to look much younger
than his years.
Squire Dornell plunged into his errand without much ceremony or
preface.
'I am your humble servant, sir,' he said. 'I have read your letter
writ to my wife and myself, and considered that the best way to
answer it would be to do so in person.'
'I am vastly honoured by your visit, sir,' said Mr. Stephen Reynard,
bowing.
'Well, what's done can't be undone,' said Dornell, 'though it was
mighty early, and was no doing of mine.
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