"Yes, if we can be tempted to think so," flashed Cornelia.
"Our position depends on it. If you posture, and are poor, you provoke ridicule: and to think of scorning money, is a piece of folly no girls of condition are guilty of. Now, you know I am fond of you; so I'll tell you this: you have a chance; don't miss it. Something unpleasant is threatening; but you may escape it. It would be madness to throw such a chance away, and it is your duty to take advantage of it. What is there plainer? You are engaged to no one."
Cornelia came timidly close to him. "Pray, be explicit!"
"Well!—this offer."
"Yes; but what—there is something to escape from."
Wilfrid deliberately replied: "There is no doubt of the Pater's intentions with regard to Mrs. Chump."
"He means…?"
"He means to marry her."
"And you, Wilfrid?"
"Well, of course, he cuts me out. There—there! forgive me: but what can
I do?"