"I did not expect to hear you talk like that. Now I hate and despise mercenary men."
"Well, you see, the man or the woman must have money or there can be no marriage."
"How worldly you have grown, Kate!" cried Mrs. Ormonde, in a superior tone. She did not perceive anything but sober seriousness in her sister-in-law's tone, and was infinitely annoyed at her taking the insinuations against De Burgh's disinterestedness with such indifference. "I suppose you think it would be a very fine thing to be Baroness De Burgh, and go to court with all the family jewels on."
"I shall certainly not go as Katherine Liddell."
"Pray, why not? Ah, yes; it would all be very fine! But I am too deeply interested in you, dear, not to warn you that De Burgh would make a very bad husband; he has such a horrid, sneering way sometimes; and as to being faithful—constancy is a thing unknown to him."
"What would Colonel Ormonde say if he knew you gave his favorite kinsman so bad a character?"
"Oh, my dear Katherine, you must not betray me! Duke would be furious. But of course your happiness is my first consideration."
"Thank you," returned Katherine, gravely.
"And Mr. Payne, how does he like Mr. De Burgh's visits here?"
"I don't think he minds"—seriously. "I should be sorry if he were annoyed. I am very fond of Bertie Payne."