I hope the day is not distant when I shall meet there
another Mrs. Miles Wallingford. Marry young, my boy; early marriages
prove happier than late, where there are the means of subsistence."
"You would not have me marry, until I can find a woman whom I shall
truly love, dear sir?"
"Heaven forbid! I would rather see you a bachelor to my dying day. But
America has enough females that a youth, like you, could, and indeed
ought to love. I could direct you to fifty, myself."
"Well, sir, _your_ recommendations would have great weight with
me. I wish you would begin."
"That I will, that I will, if you wish it, my dear boy. Well, there
is a Miss Hervey, Miss Kate Hervey, in town; a girl of excellent
qualities, and who would just suit you, could you agree."
"I recollect the young lady; the greatest objection I should raise to
her, is a want of personal attractions. Of all Mrs. Bradfort's
acquaintances, I think she was among the very plainest."
"What is beauty, Miles? In marriage, very different recommendations
are to be looked for by the husband."
"Yet, I have understood you practised on another theory;
Mrs. Hardinge, even as I recollect her, was very handsome."
"Yes, that is true," answered the good divine, simply; "she was so;
but beauty is not to be considered as an _objection_.
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