"If they are of the same order," she said, "if the thing is at all possible, it may sometimes be done. Marriage, however, is more a matter of alliance with us. Our servants, I believe, are quite promiscuous in their love-making."
He was silent for a moment. She may, perhaps, have felt some compunction. She spoke to him a little more kindly.
"We cannot help the ideas of the country in which we are brought up, you know, Mr. Lane."
"Of course not," he agreed. "I understand that perfectly. I was just thinking, though, what a lot I shall have to teach you."
She was momentarily aghast. She recovered herself quickly, however.
"Are all the men of your nation so self-confident?"
"We have to be," he told her. "It's the only way we can get what we want."
"And do you always succeed in getting what you want?"
"Always!"
"Then unless you wish to be an exception," she advised, "let me beg you not to try for anything beyond your reach."