“But tell me, mother, what is this objection; what is this terrible word that is to sum up the list of all poor Lucy’s sins, and prove that she is unfit for married life?”
“Ludovic, I did not say that. You know that I did not.”
“What is the word, mother?”
And then at last Lady Lufton spoke it out. “She is—insignificant. I believe her to be a very good girl, but she is not qualified to fill the high position to which you would exalt her.”
“Insignificant!”
“Yes, Ludovic, I think so.”
“Then, mother, you do not know her. You must permit me to say that you are talking of a girl whom you do not know. Of all the epithets of opprobrium which the English language could give you, that would be nearly the last which she would deserve.”
“I have not intended any opprobrium.”
“Insignificant!”
“Perhaps you do not quite understand me, Ludovic.”