"Now, Emma, there again you are exaggerating," rejoined Tom. "They are not a low set—vulgar, I admit."
"The same thing," persisted Emma.
"It's not the same thing, Emma," said the young man, decidedly. "They are very far from being low people. Her father is a highly respectable man, and, indeed, so are all the family—not fashionable, I grant you."
"Fashionable!" ejaculated Emma, with a smile full of scornful meaning.
"But I admit," continued Tom, "that it is not a connection that would altogether suit us. I should be as sorry, perhaps, as any of you to see the thing take place."
"And what is the girl in herself," pursued Mrs. Castleton.
"A vulgar, forward, ugly thing," said Emma, speaking quickly, as if she could not help herself—the words must out, let Tom say what he would.
Tom said nothing, however.
"Is she?" said Mrs. Castleton, looking very much distressed, and turning to her brother.
"Emma will have it that she is," he replied.