'I have heard a rumour that one of the Melforts who made a pure love-marriage was cut off root and branch.'
'That was poor Uncle Lennard, before I was born. Well—they can't cut me off.'
'They will never consent; and when I am far away, as I soon shall be, if their evil influence——'
'Should prevail with me? Oh, Vivian!' exclaimed the girl, her dark eyes sparkling through their unshed tears. 'Think not of their influencing me, for a moment.'
'Thank you a thousand times for the assurance, my love. It was vile of me to think of such things. I have a sure conviction that your cousin Shafto dislikes me most certainly,' said Hammersley, after a pause.
'I don't doubt it,' said she.
'They mean you for him.'
'They—who?'
'Your grandparents.'
'I know they do—but don't tease me by speaking of a subject so distasteful,' exclaimed Finella, making a pretty moue expression of disdain.