-born babe of every thing that related to the
conduct of a family; and she had no idea of a country life - Her understanding
did not reach so far as to comprehend the first principles of discretion; and,
indeed, if her capacity had been better than it was, her natural indolence would
not have permitted her to abandon a certain routine, to which she had been
habituated. She had not taste enough to relish any rational enjoyment; but her
ruling passion was vanity, not that species which arises from self-conceit of
superior accomplishments, but that which is of a bastard and idiot nature,
excited by shew and ostentation, which implies not even the least consciousness
of any personal merit.
    The nuptial peal of noise and nonsense being rung out in all the usual
changes, Mr. Baynard thought it high time to make her acquainted with the
particulars of the plan which he had projected - He told her that his fortune,
though sufficient to afford all the comforts of life, was not ample enough to
command all the superfluities of pomp and pageantry, which, indeed, were equally
absurd and intolerable - He therefore hoped she would have no objection to their
leaving London in the spring, when he would take the opportunity to dismiss some
unnecessary domestics, whom he had hired for the occasion of their marriage -
She heard him in silence, and, after some pause, »So, (said she) I am to be
buried in the country!« He was so confounded at this reply, that he could not
speak for some minutes: at length he told her, he was much mortified to find he
had proposed any thing that was disagreeable to her ideas - »I am sure (added
he) I meant nothing more than to lay down a comfortable plan of living within
the bounds of our fortune, which is but moderate.« »Sir, (said she) you are the
best judge of your own affairs - My fortune, I know, does not exceed twenty
thousand pounds - Yet, even with that pittance, I might have had a husband who
would not have begrudged me a house in London -« »Good God! my dear, (cried poor
Baynard, in the utmost agitation) you don't think me so sordid - I only hinted
what I thought - But, I don't pretend to impose -« »Yes, sir, (resumed the lady)
it is your prerogative to command, and my duty to obey -«
    So saying, she burst into tears and retired to her chamber, where she was
joined by her
