"
"Come, come," said he, still grinning at the couple, "let us have as
little sentiment as possible, and, Pen, my good fellow, tell us the whole
story."
Pen got back at once to his tragic and heroical air. "The story is, sir,"
said he, "as I have written it to you before. I have made the
acquaintance of a most beautiful and most virtuous lady; of a high
family, although in reduced circumstances: I have found the woman in whom
I know that the happiness of my life is centred; I feel that I never,
never can think about any woman but her. I am aware of the difference of
our ages and other difficulties in my way. But my affection was so great
that I felt I could surmount all these; that we both could: and she has
consented to unite her lot with mine, and to accept my heart and my
fortune."
"How much is that, my boy?" said the Major. "Has anybody left you some
money? I don't know that you are worth a shilling in the world."
"You know what I have is his," cried out Mrs. Pendennis.
"Good heavens, madam, hold your tongue!" was what the guardian was
disposed to say; but he kept his temper, not without a struggle.
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