"And is that all that you intend to tell me? Have I done anything that has offended you?"
"Offended me! No. I do not think that would be possible. The offence is on the other side—"
"Then, my dear,—"
"But listen to me now. It cannot be. I know that it is wrong. Everything tells me that such a marriage on your part would be a sacrifice,—a terrible sacrifice. You would be throwing away your great rank—"
"No," shouted Sir Peregrine; "not though I married a kitchen-maid,—instead of a lady who in social life is my equal."
"Ah, no; I should not have said rank. You cannot lose that;—but your station in the world, the respect of all around you, the—the—the—"
"Who has been telling you all this?"
"I have wanted no one to tell me. Thinking of it has told it me all. My own heart which is full of gratitude and love for you has told me."
"You have not seen Lord Alston?"
"Lord Alston! oh, no."