"I've only got to say that there's a deal about Ned you might very well copy in my opinion. He's a man, anyway, and a handsome man for that matter. And if you're going to fall out with your father, then you'll lose your money, and——"
"I'm not going to fall out with him. You needn't fear that."
"Then more shame to you, for keeping friendly with a man that hates me. Call that love! Ned——"
"Have done about Ned!" he cried out. "Ned's a lazy, caddling good-for-nought—the laughing-stock of every decent man and sane woman in Shaugh. A wastrel—worthless. You think he's fond of you, I suppose?"
"I know he is. And you know it."
"Yes, just as fond of you as he is of every other girl that will let him be. Anything that wears a petticoat can get to his empty heart—poor fool. Love! What does he know of that—a great, bleating baby! His love isn't worth the wind he takes to utter it; and you'll very soon find that out—like other girls have—if you listen to him."
"He knows what pleases a woman, anyway."
"Cora! Cora! What are you saying? D'you want to drive me mad?"
He started up and stared at her.
"'Twouldn't be driving you far. Better sit down again and listen to me now."