"Men are not always good to their wives. Papa is often very cross to mamma."
"I suppose he can be cross?"
"Yes, he can. He does not often scold me. I don't know what he'll say when we tell him about this."
"But I suppose he intends that you shall be married?"
"He wanted me to marry Lord Nidderdale and Lord Grasslough, but I hated them both. I think he wants me to marry Lord Nidderdale again now. He hasn't said so, but mamma tells me. But I never will;—never!"
"I hope not, Marie."
"You needn't be a bit afraid. I would not do it if they were to kill me. I hate him,—and I do so love you." Then she leaned with all her weight upon his arm and looked up again into his beautiful face. "You will speak to papa; won't you?"
"Will that be the best way?"
"I suppose so. How else?"
"I don't know whether Madame Melmotte ought not—"