 act as your
father. You have no objection, I hope?«
    »Oh dear no, uncle. You have always been very kind to me,« said Gwendolen,
frankly. This evening she was willing, if it were possible, to be a little
fortified against her troublesome self, and her resistant temper was in
abeyance. The Rector's mode of speech always conveyed a thrill of authority, as
of a word of command: it seemed to take for granted that there could be no
wavering in the audience, and that every one was going to be rationally
obedient.
    »It is naturally a satisfaction to me that the prospect of a marriage for
you - advantageous in the highest degree - has presented itself so early. I do
not know exactly what has passed between you and Mr. Grandcourt, but I presume
there can be little doubt, from the way in which he has distinguished you, that
he desires to make you his wife.«
    Gwendolen did not speak immediately, and her uncle said with more emphasis -
    »Have you any doubt of that yourself, my dear?«
    »I suppose that is what he has been thinking of. But he may have changed his
mind to-morrow,« said Gwendolen.
    »Why to-morrow? Has he made advances which you have discouraged?«
    »I think he meant - he began to make advances - but I did not encourage
them. I turned the conversation.«
    »Will you confide in me so far as to tell me your reasons?«
    »I am not sure that I had any reasons, uncle.« Gwendolen laughed rather
artificially.
    »You are quite capable of reflecting, Gwendolen. You are aware that this is
not a trivial occasion, and it concerns your establishment for life under
circumstances which may not occur again. You have a duty here both to yourself
and your family. I wish to understand whether you have any ground for hesitating
as to your acceptance of Mr. Grandcourt.«
    »I suppose I hesitate without grounds.« Gwendolen spoke rather poutingly,
and her uncle grew suspicious.
    »Is he disagreeable to you personally?«
    »No.«
    »Have you heard anything of him which has affected you disagreeably?« The
Rector thought it impossible that Gwendolen could have heard the gossip he had
heard, but in any case he must endeavour to put all things in the right light
for her.
    »I have heard nothing about him except that he is a great match,« said
Gwendolen, with some sauciness; »and that affects me very agreeably.«
    »Then
