"I always knew it would not do."
"But why not?"
"Mary ought to marry a man of higher standing."
"Of higher rank you mean. The daughters of Dukes have married commoners before."
"It is not exactly that. I don't like to talk of it in that way. I knew it would make my father unhappy. In point of fact he can't marry her. What is the good of approving of a thing that is impossible?"
"I wish I knew your sister. Is she—firm?"
"Indeed she is."
"I am not so sure that you are."
"No," said he, after considering awhile; "nor am I. But she is not like Gerald or me. She is more obstinate."
"Less fickle perhaps."