"A little warm;—but that was to be expected. A gentleman never likes to be interfered with on such a matter."
"The position was and is difficult, Mrs. Finn."
"And I am bound to acknowledge the very ready way in which you did what I asked you to do."
"And now, Mrs. Finn, what is to come next?"
"Ah!"
"Something must be done! You know of course that the Duke did not receive me with any great favour."
"I did not suppose he would."
"Nor did I. Of course he would object to such a marriage. But a man in these days cannot dictate to his daughter what husband she should marry."
"Perhaps he can dictate to her what husband she shall not marry."
"Hardly that. He may put impediments in the way; and the Duke will do so. But if I am happy enough to have won the affections of his daughter,—so as to make it essential to her happiness that she should become my wife,—he will give way."