"I did my best for you, but you thought yourself too clever."
Mavis looked up inquiringly.
"When I heard who it was he was going to marry, I wanted to do you a good turn for your father's sake, as I knew Charles could never make you happy. I forbade the marriage, knowing he wouldn't face poverty for you. He's hateful: hateful right through."
"And if we'd married?"
"I'd have come round, especially after seeing you. You're a daughter-in-law any man would be proud of. And now he's married that Devitt girl for her money."
"For her money?" queried Mavis.
"What little she has. Never mind her: I want to speak of you. For all your fine looks, you were too clever by half."
"What do you mean?" she asked, with dull, even voice.
"What I say. That for all your grand appearance you were much too knowing. Since you couldn't get him one way, you thought you'd have him another."
"You mean—-"