Lady Lanswell interrupted him.
"The question need never be asked," she said, proudly. "I refuse ever to see her, or acknowledge her. I insist on the marriage being set aside."
"One has to be careful, my lady," said Mr. Sewell.
"I see no need for any great care," she retorted. "My son has not studied us; we shall not study him. I would rather the entail were destroyed, and the property go to one of Charles Seyton's sons, than my son share it with a low-born wife."
My lady's face was inflexible. The earl and the lawyer saw that she was resolved—that she would never give in, never yield, no matter what appeal was made to her.
They both knew that more words were useless. My lady's mind was made up, and they might as well fight the winds and the waves. Lord Lanswell was more inclined to pity and to temporize. He was sorry for his son, and the beautiful face had made some impression on him; but my lady was inflexible.
"The marriage must be set aside," she repeated.
The earl looked at her gravely.
"Who can set aside a thoroughly legal marriage?" he asked.
"You will find out the way," said my lady, turning to Mr. Sewell.