ABSTRACT
Fitzosborne’s thoughts were now so engrossed by his intended attack on the principles and honour of lady Monteith, that he felt as little interested about the event of his engagements with lady Arabella as if the marriage ceremony had really taken place. He was roused from this insensibility by the noble viscount his brother, who, having procured a copy of the redoubtable settlement, which I have before mentioned, swore upon his honour (his lordship, though very fond of this oath, was never known to be forsworn) that the terms were too hard / for any man above a shoeblack to abide by. ‘I would have you by all means, Ned,’ said he, ‘make a better bargain for yourself. The girl is immensely fond of you, that is evident; and a fellow with a tenth part of your address would make the pretty driveller accede to any thing. Can’t you give her a little sentiment upon the occasion, and tell her, that by reserving all her fortune in her own power, it will be absolutely impossible for her ever to enjoy the sublime gratification of receiving obligations from the person she loves? Can’t you flourish too upon the provision in case of separation and divorce, and declare that the frigorific idea petrifies your whole frame? Be master of her fortune, however, at all events; for let me tell you, my dear lad, a wife’s affections in this age are but a transferable / commodity of little permanent value, I assure you.’
