“No,” she said. “I couldn’t put it into words.... I am positive that you cannot make Claudine happy.”
“Why do you think I can’t make her happy, Mrs. Mason?”
“It isn’t in you,” she said frankly. “You are not suited to each other.”
“Well, I believe a woman can adapt herself to any man, if she really cares for him.”
“Claudine’s not adaptable. It would be necessary for you to make concessions—to be very tolerant and wise. And I don’t think you would be.”
He smiled indulgently.
“I think I understand her,” he said. “And I’m used to feminine ways, you know. My mother—”
She shook her head.
“It won’t do!” she said, with emphasis. “I shall never consent to it.”
This was the most outrageous affront imaginable. If she had objected to him for any other reason, because of his morals, his religion, his social standing, his financial position, he could have endured it, because he could have argued and proved her absolutely wrong. But just simply to dislike him....