"Yes."
"And that a man with no more force of character and real ability than he has may starve? That the world will probably break his heart, anyway."
"Let it, then.... Only a real man's heart breaks. I'll know he's one if it does; and so will he. And that's worth all the rest."
"That's a stern creed, little sister, considering the pleasure-loving lips that utter it."
"Out of the mouth of fools, wisdom. It doesn't matter what I am. The thing that is important is what he shall become."
"If he become what you desire, he may have little further interest in you."
"He will have none, if he becomes what he could become," said the girl steadily. "Did you suppose my—ambition for him was selfish?"
"Little breaker of images, are you going to shatter your own under his very eyes?"
"He will be the iconoclast some day.... Probably I'll be married before that—as soon, anyway, as it's best for him.... I've plenty of time." ... She smiled without a trace of mirth in her eyes. "Mr. Snaith has already indicated his noiseless entry into the lists. He and Colonel Curmew are at lance points. Materially speaking, a girl ought to consider both of them."
"But, child, we have many another business engagement before us yet, I trust.... You wouldn't think of taking the first—the first——"