and entreated Mrs. Clarke to use her influence in persuading her aunt to delay the marriage.
"Delay is all I ask—she is her own mistress—and if she can reconcile to herself the prudence and propriety of such a step, let her marry, and I am sure I hope she will be happy; but do implore her, for the sake of my uncle's memory—for her own sake, not to use such disreputable haste. If there is no affection—and there can be none—let there be some decency observed."
Consternation and surprise had kept Mrs. Clarke silent; but at last she burst into a series of ejaculations—"Going to be married, and her husband not dead seven months?—Disgraceful! I thought what would come of leaving off her caps. And so you saw the white silk bonnet she means to be married in?—A fine price she has paid for it, I dare say. She never consulted me; but she is very much mistaken if she thinks Dr. Clarke will countenance such proceedings—he shall not marry them."
"If you did but know how grateful I shall be if you can but prevail!"
"Ah! Miss Emily, it is all your fault. If you had but married him yourself—I am sure I thought you would, when I asked him down—
