"I have made none," said Eleanor getting up and beginning to walk backwards and forwards in the room. "Mr. Carlisle has been told distinctly that I do not love him. I will never marry any man whom I have not a right affection for."
"You did love him once, Eleanor."
"Never! not the least; not one bit of real—Mamma, I liked him, and I do that now; and then I did not know any better; but I will never, for I ought never, to marry any man upon mere liking."
"How come you to know any better now?"
Eleanor's blush was beautiful again for a minute; then it faded. She did not immediately speak.
"Is Mr. Carlisle right after all, and has he a rival?"
"Mamma, you must say what you please. Surely it does not follow that a woman must love all the world because she does not love one."
"And you may say what you please; I know you like Mr. Carlisle quite well enough, for you as good as told me so. This is only girl's talk; but you have got to come to the point, Eleanor. I shall not suffer you to make a fool of him in my house; not to speak of making a fool of yourself and me, and ruining—forever ruining—all your prospects. You can't do it, Eleanor. You have said yea, and you can't draw back. Put on your green gown and go to Hampton Court, and come back with the day fixed—for that I know is what Mr. Carlisle wants."
"I cannot go, mamma."
"Eleanor, you would not forfeit your word?"