James Fenimore Cooper

Precaution James Fenimore Cooper

"I wonder if we are to have a neighbor in the Deanery soon," inquired Clara Moseley, addressingherself to a small party assembled in her father's drawing-room, while standing at a window whichcommanded a distant view of the house in question."Oh yes," replied her brother, "the agent has let it to a Mr. Jarvis for a couple of years, and he is totake possession this week.""And who is the Mr. Jarvis that is about to become so near a neighbor?" asked Sir Edward Moseley."Why, sir, I learn he has been a capital merchant; that he has retired from business with a largefortune; that he has, like yourself, sir, an only hope for his declining years in son, an officer in thearmy; and, moreover, that he has couple of fine daughters; so, sir, he is a man of family in one sense, at least, you see. But," dropping his voice, "whether he is a man of family in your sense, Jane,"looking at his second sister, "is more than I could discover.""I hope you did not take the trouble, sir, to inquire on my account," retorted Jane, coloring slightlywith vexation at his speech."Indeed I did, my dear sis, and solely on your account," replied the laughing brother, "for you wellknow that no gentility, no husband; and it's dull work to you young ladies without at least apossibility of matrimony; as for Clara, she is----"Here he was stopped by his youngest sister Emily placing her hand on his mouth, as she whisperedin his ear, "John, you forget the anxiety of a certain gentleman about a fair incognita at Bath, and alist of inquiries concerning her lineage, and a few other indispensables." John, in his turn, colored, and affectionately kissing the hand which kept him silent, addressed himself to Jane, and by hisvivacity and good humor soon restored her to complacency."I rejoice," said Lady Moseley, "that Sir William has found a tenant, however; for next to occupyingit himself, it is a most desirable thing to have a good tenant in it, on account of the circle in whichwe live.""And Mr. Jarvis has the great goodness of money, by John's account," caustically observed Mrs. Wilson, who was a sister of Sir Edward'