"Don't be so damned mercenary!"
"Why not say a thing as well as mean it? Let's be honest for once in a way. Besides, you're not to swear at me, Lieutenant Kingsland—please remember I'm not married to you."
"No. By Gad! I wish you were."
"Oh, no, you don't. I haven't silver enough to cross the palm of my hand. But to come to business. Doesn't your affair progress swimmingly?"
"Why, it has so far—as long as the Dowager fancied there was danger from Little Diplomacy's quarter, I was used as a foil. Now that she learned about your claims she breathes again, and gives me the cold shoulder in consequence."
"I suppose you haven't been wasting your time?"
"Rather not."
"It's all right then?"
"Yes, I think so; but the old lady'll never allow it."
"Marry without consulting her."