Papa's name will seem to
sanction their proceedings.'
'My dear,' said Lady Merton, 'you may comfort yourself by
remembering that your Papa's character is too well known to be
affected by such an assertion as this; most people will not believe
it, and those who do, can only think that his daughter is turning
radical, not himself.'
'Ay, this is the first public decisive act of Miss Merton's life,'
said Rupert; 'no wonder so much is made of it.'
'But, Rupert,' said Anne, 'I only beg of you not to say anything
about it to Lizzie.'
'You cut me off from everything diverting,' said Rupert; 'you are
growing quite impertinent, but I will punish you some day when you do
not expect it.'
'I do not care what you do when we are at home,' said Anne; 'I defy
you to do your worst then; only spare Lizzie and me while we are
here.'
'Spare Lizzie, indeed!' said Rupert; 'she does not want your
protection, she is able enough to take care of herself.'
'I believe Rupert's five wits generally go off halting, from the
sharp encounter of hers,' said Lady Merton.
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