Butitismyaunt，anoldmaid；and，also，mymotheriscrazyabouttheidea。IfIweretobackoutnow，shewoulddieofchagrin。Myauntwoulddisinheritme，andsheistheonewhohasthefamilyfortune。Then，too，thereismyfather—in—law，aregulardragoonforhisprinciples——severe，violent。Henevermakesajokeofseriousthings，andItellyouitwouldcostmedear，terriblydear。And，besides，Ihavegivenmyword。\"
\"Youmusttakebackyourword。\"
\"Youstillinsist？\"exclaimedGeorge，indespair。\"Butthen，supposethatitwerepossible，howcouldItakebackmysignaturewhichIputatthebottomofthedeed？Ihavepledgedmyselftopayintwomonthsfortheattorney’spracticeIhavepurchased!\"
\"Sir，\"saidthedoctor，\"allthesethings——\"
\"YouaregoingtotellmethatIwaslackinginprudence，thatI