Violet.
The dew of love is in my heart; and that’s not damp.
Northlake.
This comes of teaching thee, from childhood, philosophy in my melancholy moods. I’ll never again teach thee philosophy, though I be as melancholy as Democritus, since thou dost use the philosophy I teach thee against thine uncle and teacher, instead of against the world.
Violet.
For the good philosophy thou didst teach me, I’ll love thee all my days. But, uncle, is this marriage good? ’Twere not good, ’twere not philosophical.
Northlake.
Alas, dear Violet! [Aside] If she but knew! [Aloud] I cannot give thee thy dues except by this marriage. Thou wast my favorite sister’s only child; and when she left thee and thy fortune to my guardianship, I promised to protect thy fortune, and watch over thee even as my own daughter. Now I will get thee a good husband; for he’s rich, and a solid gentleman.
Violet.
Who’s a solid gentleman?