“Or, in other words,” he added, “is she not a very mercenary person?”
“That, I did not even imply.”
“Honestly, was it not in your head?”
“Now you put it so plainly, I do say, it strikes me disagreeably; I have heard of nothing like it.”
“Do you think it unreasonable that I should marry into a noble family?”
“That is, assuredly, not my meaning.”
“Nevertheless, you are, on the whole, in favour of beggarly alliances.”
“No, Wilfrid.”
“Why do you reject this offer that has been made to you?”
Cornelia flushed and trembled; the traitorous feint had thrown her off her guard. She said, faltering: