I have
always doubted the truth of that assertion, and now I am convinced of its
falsity. Mr. Eustace is a very excellent young man, and, if I may be
allowed to say so, a very good-looking young man; but what, I would ask
this assembled company, has Mr. Meeson done above the rest of men to
justify his supreme good fortune? Why should this young gentleman be
picked out from the multitude of young gentlemen to inherit two millions
of money, and to marry the most charming--yes, the most charming, the
most talented, and the bravest young lady that I have ever met--a young
lady who not only carries twenty fortunes on her face, but another
fortune in her brain, and his fortune on her neck--and such a fortune,
too! Sir"--and he bowed towards Eustace--
"'Lovely Thais sits beside thee,
Take the goods the gods provide thee.'
"I salute you, as all men must salute one so supremely favoured. Humbly,
I salute you; humbly I pray that you may continually deserve the almost
unparalleled good that it has pleased Providence to bestow upon you."
And then Eustace rose and made his speech, and a very good speech it was,
considering the trying circumstances under which it was made. He told
them how he had fallen in love with Augusta's sweet face the very first
time that he had set eyes upon it in the office of his uncle at
Birmingham.
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