There was a silence after these words; and Philippa could scarcely sustain the clear fixed look which he bent upon her face.
"Is that your advice, madam?" he said coldly. "I thank you for it."
His tone piqued her.
"Then follow it," she said.
"Excuse me again."
"Is it not friendly?"
"Possibly, but not to my taste."
"Why, sir?"
"First, because the course you suggest is not very honorable; secondly, and in another aspect, it is very disgraceful; again, it is too expensive, if I may be permitted to utter what seems to be, but is not, a very rude and cynical speech."
"Not honorable—disgraceful—too expensive! Indeed! Why, sir, you at once exclude heiresses from matrimony."