“Because, my dear Beauclerc, I am your guardian, and can say no, and can adhere to a refusal as firmly as any man living, when it is necessary.”
“Yes, and when it is unnecessary. General Clarendon, according to your own estimate, fifteen thousand pounds is the utmost sum requisite to put this house in a habitable state—by that sum I abide!”
“Abide!”
“Yes, I require it, to keep my promise to Beltraver’s, and have it I MUST.”
“Not from me.”
“From some one else then, for have it I WILL.
“Dearest Clarendon,” whispered Lady Cecilia, “let him have it, since he has promised——”
Without seeming to hear her whisper, without a muscle of his countenance altering, General Clarendon repeated, “Not from me.”
“From some one else then—I can.”
“Not while I have power to prevent.”