"Because Father thinks I will marry the creature."
"Will you do as your father wishes?"
"Once, I might have done so—perhaps. Not now. My eyes have been opened. I have seen a man like Lord Richard Cramer, and I will marry no man of a meaner kind. How tall and straight and slender is his figure! How bold and manly his face! His gray eyes are full of quick, undaunted spirit, he is all nerve and fire, and I believe he could love as well as I am sure he can fight."
"You need not take love into the question. Richard Cramer will be compelled to marry a rich woman. Your father says he is bound both by honor and necessity to do so."
Marion buried her face in the mignonette, and did not answer; and Mrs. Caird, after a few moments' silence, said:
"Be glad that your heart is your own, and do not give it away until it is asked for."
"As if I would be so foolish, Aunt! I stand by Lord Cramer because people tell lies about him. I always stand by anyone wronged. I would even stand by Allan Reid, if I knew he was slandered without just cause."
"That is very good of you. If Allan heard tell of your opinion, he would get someone to lie him into your favor."
"He could not, because I would believe anything bad of Allan."
Then Mrs. Caird laughed, and Marion wondered why. She had forgotten the exception just made in his favor. Her thoughts were not with Allan Reid.