"Sir Edward, I want to ask you something—and I want you to give me a true answer," she said.
"I always strive to make true answer to you," he replied.
"Do you? Well, I am not so sure. However, be truthful now, and I forgive the past." She turned and faced him. "What were Mr. Constable and Captain Herford and you discussing a little while ago?"
"Many things," he answered—"sort of a desultory gossip without point."
"And among the 'things' were the Marburys. Mr. Constable was talking. He said: 'Old Marbury, for instance. He is new. How do we know his name is Marbury? He says it is, but we do not know.' I did not hear more—I could not help that I heard so much. I was passing behind the hedge, and his words came to me, before I could realize they were not for my ears."
"My dear Miss Marbury, he was only citing an instance to prove a general proposition!" Parkington exclaimed. "We were not discussing any one. Had you heard the last of his remarks, you would have understood. They were, 'we take almost every one on faith.' I am sure——"
"I am not sensitive," she interrupted. "I know we are new people—that my father is the founder of his family—that we have to stand, George and I, on our own merits, and father's money. I have great faith in the latter, Sir Edward!" she laughed. "It will get me a husband from among the aristocrats of the Province, if I wish it."
"It will do more—it and your sweetness will get you a husband from the gentlemen of England," he said, with a meaning look and a low bow.
"If I went to London, and hawked myself around for sale, maybe," she answered, deliberately misunderstanding him.
"Why go so far, my lady?" he asked.