"Mr. Grame is of gentle descent; my father is attached to him," disputed Eliza.
"But Mr. Grame has nothing but his living—a hundred and sixty pounds a-year; you must make a match in accordance with your own position. It would be Katherine's trouble, Katherine's rebellion over again. But this was mentioned for argument's sake only; Mr. Grame will never sue for anything of the kind; and I must beg of you, my dear, to put all idea of it away, and to change your manner towards him."
"Perhaps you fancy he may wish to sue for Lucy!" cried Eliza, in fierce resentment.
"That is a great deal more likely than the other. And the difficulties in her case would not be so great."
"Because, my dear, I should not resent it as your father would. I am not so ambitious for her as he is for you."
"A fine settlement for her—Robert Grame and his hundred—"
"Who is taking my name in vain?" cried out a pleasant voice from the open window; and Robert Grame entered.
"I was," said Eliza readily; her tone changing like magic to sweet suavity, her face putting on its best charm—"About to remark that the Reverend Robert Grame has a hundred faults. Aunt Emma agrees with me."
He laughed lightly, regarding it as pleasantry, and inquired for Hubert.