"To an English lady of my own rank in life," interrupted Lord Lydstone, sternly, "who will make me an honest, faithful helpmate, as I have every reason to hope and believe."
"You are just cut out for domestic felicity, Lord Lydstone. I can see you a staid, sober English peer, a pattern of respectability, the stay and support of your country, obeyed with reverent devotion by a fond wife, bringing up a large family—"
"As young people should be brought up, I hope—the girls as modest, God-fearing maidens; the boys to behave like gentlemen, and to tell the truth."
"A very admirable system of education, I'm sure. By-and-bye we shall see how nearly you have achieved your aim."
She was disappointed and bitterly angry, feeling that he had rebuffed and flouted her.
"We part as friends, I hope?" said Lord Lydstone, rising to go.
"Oh, certainly! why not?" she answered carelessly.
"I trust you will continue to get good news from Cousin Bill."
"And I that you will have a speedy voyage home. It would be provoking to be delayed when bound on such a mission."
Then they parted, never to meet again.