"You talk," said the Colonel, "like one who lived before the fall, in a state of paradisiacal innocence, rather than like one who has seen the world as it is. The world is governed by deception; in church, in state, in all the departments of social life; and if you have been deceived by any statements which might have been given to allure you to the altar, we have all been deceived since your return from it."
"Not by me, Sir."
"No, Madam, but by your father."
"My father! no! impossible! As he is too humane to reproach, he is too sincere to deceive."
"Why, we all expected, when the marriage was over, that he would provide handsomely for you."
"I have no doubt that he will, ultimately, but I never gave you any reason to expect it."
"But we did expect it, and I think we have a right to expect it. Can he suppose that my son is to meet all the expenses which you and your family may bring upon him, without receiving some assistance! If he do, he is deceived, and will entail on you and himself disgrace and misery."
"But you know, Colonel," said Mrs. Orme, "it is no use to wound the feelings of dear Emma so much. If Charles is in trouble, I know she will do what she can to assist him, without being very particular respecting the cause of his difficulties; and I would propose, without any farther remarks on this very painful question, that she write to her father on the subject, or give her consent for you to write."
"What are his difficulties?" inquired Emma.
"O dear, only a small account which he is obliged to pay immediately."