"And why not, Mildred? Would it not be a most eligible match for you—why he is not only very rich, but will probably soon succeed to a title."
"Riches and titles can never make happiness, mamma."
"But they conduce greatly to its maintainance, Mildred."
"O, no, mamma, not if attached to such a disagreeable person as the signor."
"Disagreeable! Mildred, you surprise me—pray what can be your objections?"
"Indeed, they are so numerous, that the repetition would only be tiresome," replied Mildred, smiling. "But you are surely laughing at me; you did not really suppose, now did you, that I could love such a man?"
"I did suppose you had more sense, Mildred, than to refuse him," replied Mrs. Donaldson. "I can only say your decision has deeply grieved both Mr. Donaldson and myself; yet we regret it more for the disappointment it will cause your grandfather, for to see you the wife of Perozzi has long been his most cherished wish."
"Can it be!" cried Mildred. "Can it be that my grandfather, my kind grandfather, would have me marry Perozzi—is it so, mamma?"
"It is, Mildred."
"Now, indeed, am I most unhappy," cried Mildred, bursting into tears, "for it can never, never be!"