“If you speak in sincerity, sir, then you are, morally considered, blind as an owl; if in raillery, then you are cruel as a wolf.”
“My dear young lady, you show in your every remark that you are a cultivated person; that you are naturally clever, and that education has added its polish. How charming it would be to see one so gifted and accomplished placed in that position of wealth and rank which she would so well adorn! There must never be unpleasant words between me and the future Mrs. Ratcliff,—never!”
“Then, sir, you’re safe, however angrily I may speak.”
“Your pin-money alone, my dear young lady, will be enough to support half a dozen ordinary families.”
Clara made no reply, and Semmes continued: “Think of it! First, the tour of Europe in princely style; then a return to the most splendid establishment in Louisiana!”
“Well, sir, if your eloquence is exhausted, you can do me a favor.”
“What is it, my dear young lady?”
“Leave the room.”
“Certainly. By the way, I expect Mr. Ratcliff any hour now.”
“I thought he was in Fort Lafayette!” replied Clara, trying to steady her voice and conceal her agitation.