Ok, poor Mr. Sheppard! I will relent and admitt that he must Say the ridiculous in order to persuade Sir Walter and not that he is ridiculous. In Chapter 3, I am particularly fond of the idea that the Crofts “…appear as if they ranked nothing beyond the happiness of being the tenants of Sir Walter Elliot: an extraordinary taste, certainly…” Ahh…but of course, the sun does rise and set upon the dignity of a baronet! Just ask Lady Russell.