Seite 605 von 657

"'Oh, tut, tut! sweating-rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his

fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling

passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with

such attractions and accomplishments?'

"'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I.

'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing-'

"'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question.

The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment

of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are

not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a

considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have,

why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to

accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me,

madam, would commence at £ 100 a year.'