On
the contrary, they enable me to appreciate her if possible still more
highly; for a clear and pure standard of morals in a wife is not only
the best fortune but the best security for happiness besides. You might
stop and dine?"
"No, thank you, it is impossible. By the way, I have already spoiled my
dinner with that splendid ham of yours. Give me a call when in town."
Hycy, after Clinton's departure, began to review his own position. Of
ultimately succeeding with Miss Clinton he entertained little doubt. So
high and confident was his vanity, that he believed himself capable of
performing mighty feats, and achieving great successes, with the fair
sex,--all upon the strength of having destroyed the reputation of two
innocent country girls. Somehow, notwithstanding his avowed attachment
for Miss Clinton, he could not help now and then reverting to the
rich beauty and magnificent form of Kathleen Cavanagh; nor was this
contemplation of his lessened by considering that, with all his
gentlemanly manners, and accomplishments, and wealth to boot, she
preferred the clod-hopper, as he called Bryan M'Mahon, to himself.
He felt considerably mortified at this reflection, and the more
especially, as he had been frequently taunted with it and laughed at
for it by the country girls, whenever he entered into any bantering
conversation.
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