This eBook was produced by Dagny,
and David Widger
SIR PETER had not heard from Kenelm since a letter informing him thathis son had left town on an excursion, which would probably be short,though it might last a few weeks; and the good Baronet now resolved togo to London himself, take his chance of Kenelm's return, and if stillabsent, at least learn from Mivers and others how far that veryeccentric planet had contrived to steer a regular course amidst thefixed stars of the metropolitan system. He had other reasons for hisjourney. He wished to make the acquaintance of Chillingly Gordonbefore handing him over the L20,000 which Kenelm had released in thatresettlement of estates, the necessary deeds of which the young heirhad signed before quitting London for Moleswich. Sir Peter wishedstill more to see Cecilia Travers, in whom Kenelm's accounts of herhad inspired a very strong interest.
The day after his arrival in town Sir Peter breakfasted with Mivers.
"Upon my word you are very comfortable here," said Sir Peter, glancingat the well-appointed table, and round the well-furnished rooms.
"Naturally so: there is no one to prevent my being comfortable. I amnot married; taste that omelette."
"Some men declare they never knew comfort till they were married,
Cousin Miners."
"Some men are reflecting bodies, and catch a pallid gleam from thecomfort which a wife concentres on herself. With a fortune so modestand secure, what comforts, possessed by me now, would not a Mrs.Chillingly Mivers ravish from my hold and appropriate to herself!Instead of these pleasant rooms, where should I be lodged? In a dingyden looking on a backyard excluded from the sun by day and vocal withcats by night; while Mrs. Mivers luxuriated in two drawing-rooms withsouthern aspect and perhaps a boudoir. My brougham would be torn frommy uses and monopolized by 'the angel of my hearth,' clouded in hercrinoline and halved by her chignon. No! if ever I marry—and I neverdeprive myself of the civilities and needlework which single ladieswaste upon me by saying I shall not marry—it will be when women havefully established their rights; for then men may have a chance ofvindicating their own. Then if there are two drawing-rooms in thehouse I shall take one; if not, we will toss up who shall have theback parlour; if we keep a brougham, it will be exclusively mine threedays in the week; if Mrs. M. wants L200 a year for her wardrobe shemust be contented with one, the other half will belong to my personaldecoration; if I am oppressed by proof-sheets and printers' devils,half of the oppression falls to her lot, while I take my holiday onthe croquet ground at Wimbledon. Yes, when the present wrongs ofwomen are exchanged for equality with men, I will cheerfully marry;and to do the thing generous, I will not oppose Mrs. M.'s voting inthe vestry or for Parliament. I will give her my own votes withpleasure."
"I fear, my dear cousin, that you have infected Kenelm with yourselfish ideas on the nuptial state. He does not seem inclined tomarry,—eh?"
"Not that I know of."
"What sort of girl is Cecilia Travers?"
"One of those superior girls who are not likely to tower into thatterrible giantess called a 'superior woman.' A handsome,well-educated, sensible young lady, not spoiled by being an heiress;in fine, just the sort of girl whom you could desire to fix on for adaughter-in-law."
"And you don't think Kenelm has a fancy for her?"
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