"She behaved shockingly here, and was then taken away by her brother. I have been forced to divorce myself from her altogether." Lord Llwddythlw rubbed his head; but on this occasion Lady Kingsbury misinterpreted the cause of his vexation. He was troubled at being made to listen to this story. She conceived that he was disgusted by the wickedness of Lady Frances. "After that I think my sister was very wrong to have her at Castle Hautboy. No countenance ought to be shown to a young woman who can behave so abominably." He could only rub his head. "Do you not think that such marriages are most injurious to the best interests of society?"
"I certainly think that young ladies should marry in their own rank."
"So much depends upon it,—does it not, Lord Llwddythlw? All the future blood of our head families! My own opinion is that nothing could be too severe for such conduct."
"Will severity prevent it?"
"Nothing else can. My own impression is that a father in such case should be allowed to confine his daughter. But then the Marquis is so weak."
"The country would not stand it for a moment."
"So much the worse for the country," said her ladyship, holding up her hands. "But the brother is if possible worse than the sister."
"Hampstead?"
"He utterly hates all idea of an aristocracy."
"That is absurd."