"But surely you know that Mr. Leitzel is very rich?" said Catherine.
"It is such a relative term. My sister's family think themselves awfully poor, but they live more comfortably and spend money more freely than the Leitzels do. Of course I understand that you Northerners are all more frugal than Southerners are," she ended vaguely.
Catherine laughed oddly. "You are an innocent!"
"I'm beginning to realize that I am," nodded Margaret, feeling a something behind Catherine's tone and countenance that she did not quite get.
"I might have been reared in a convent for all I've seen of life, Catherine."
"Yet you've not lacked the essentials," returned Catherine with evident relief at turning the talk from the subject of money.
"The essentials to what?"
"To making you a truly fine and charming woman. You've lived in an environment of culture, of big ideas; and you've had no sordid money cares to embitter you or blunt the sensitive fineness of your spirit."
"But my life has lacked one great essential, Catherine—affection, love."
"Your uncle must have loved you, dear, he must have. For you are lovable, you know. Well, rather!"