"My lord, I am much indebted for the interest you have taken in my affairs," said Ravenswood. "I did not intend to have troubled you in any matter concerning Miss Ashton. As my engagement with that young lady has reached your lordship, I can only say, that you must necessarily suppose that I was aware of the objections to my marrying into her father's family, and of course must have been completely satisfied with the reasons by which these objections are over-balanced, since I have proceeded so far in the matter."
"Nay, Master, if you had heard me out," said his noble relation, "you might have spared that observation; for, without quetioning that you had reasons which seemed to you to counterbalance every other obstacle, I set myself, by every means that it became me to use towards the Ashtons, to persuade them to meet your views."
"I am obliged to your lordship for your unsolicited intercession," said Ravenswood, "especially as I am sure your lordship would
