"I know now why you took that paltry situation; you did not mean to stop there."
"No, indeed, Kate."
"I always knew you were ambitious."
"So I am."
"A nice mistress Fame will make you, my poor brother! Oh yes, very!"
"I won't make a mistress of her, Kate; she is too much used to that; she shall be my hand-maiden."
"First catch her!" shortly replied his sister.
He laughed good-humouredly; she gave a deep, impatient sigh.
"I know I must seem harsh," she said, "but our father's death—of a broken heart—is always before me. You are very like him in person and temper; for God's sake be not like him in destiny! I know painting; once it has taken hold of a man's mind, soul and being, he must either win or perish. Love is nothing to it. I would rather see you in love with ten girls."
"At a time?" interrupted Cornelius, looking shocked. "Am I a Turk?"