"That conduct alone sinks him in a gulf of immeasurable inferiority. His intellect reaches no standard I can esteem: there is a second stumbling-block. His views are narrow, his feelings are blunt, his tastes are coarse, his manners vulgar."
"The man is a respectable, wealthy man! To refuse him is presumption on your part."
"I refuse point-blank! Cease to annoy me with the subject; I forbid it!"
"Is it your intention ever to marry; or do you prefer celibacy?"
"I deny your right to claim an answer to that question."
"May I ask if you expect some man of title—some peer of the realm—to demand your hand?"
"I doubt if the peer breathes on whom I would confer it."
"Were there insanity in the family, I should believe you mad. Your eccentricity and conceit touch the verge of frenzy."
"Perhaps, ere I have finished, you will see me over-leap it."
"I anticipate no less. Frantic and impracticable girl! Take warning! I dare you to sully our name by a mésalliance!"