“Well, I am glad you’ve found that out. Do you suppose your mother would marry a man who was not most estimable in character?”
“He is quite estimable, mother; the only unfortunate thing against him is that he is not in your rank in life.”
“A woman who lives in these rooms,” said Mrs. Howland, “has no rank in life.”
“Well, dear mother, I cannot agree with you. However, as I said, I breakfasted with him.”
“Then you’re coming round?” said Mrs. Howland. “You’re going to be good, and a comfort to us both?”
“No, mother, I haven’t come round a bit. When I was breakfasting with Mr. Martin I fully explained to him what a fearful trial I should be to him; how, day by day and hour by hour, I’d annoy him.”
“You did that! Oh you wicked child!”
“I thought it best to be frank, mother. I made an impression on him. I did what I did as much for your sake as for mine.”
“Then he’ll break off the engagement—of course he will!” said Mrs. Howland. She took a moist handkerchief from her pocket and pressed it to her eyes. 95
“Not he. He is just devoted to you, mother; you need have no such apprehension.”