Twisden, the family solicitor, with respect to the settlements. It is needless to say that Mrs. Shaw had suggested this proposal. Rupert had twice approached the subject with Elizabeth, urging his impatience to be made a happy man, and each time had been put off with the declaration that she did not wish to be married while still in deep mourning. She now told her uncle more emphatically that she would not be married till the autumn. He need not go to London; there was plenty of time to see Mr. Twisden later in the summer. This announcement was received with great dissatisfaction by Wybrowe, and with scarcely controlled annoyance by Mrs. Shaw. It was tempered, indeed, when Elizabeth added that she did not see why Mr. Twisden should not come to Farley for a night, instead of her uncle journeying to London. The business might be very quickly concluded. She wished to settle half her fortune on her husband. There was a dead silence. Uncle William coughed, indeed; but he said nothing. This was so much beyond what the bridegroom-elect had dared expect, that it almost outweighed the annoyance, and possible danger, of the delay. Could he temporize yet further with his creditors? And, if driven to extremity, could he ask her to pay his debts before marriage, without imperilling his position?
After murmuring his desire to leave Elizabeth entirely free to settle her money as she thought fit, he rose and left the room; but not before Polly, from the window, called out with asperity, "Keep stirring!"
Mrs. Shaw and Elizabeth both laughed. Then there was a pause. Uncle William cleared his throat.
