"But seriously, Hester—"
"But seriously, father, he says the character of the ancestry often reappears in the posterity, even after the lapse of many generations; and as he may have had, a tiger, a hyena, or even a boa-constrictor in his genealogical tree, I do not feel well inclined to trust myself to his keeping."
"Is that the new philosophy?" said Adelaide; "the vicious propensities of so many of the race are then accounted for, they are but beasts of prey in tailor's clothes."
"And yourselves, ladies?" said Mr. Godfrey.
"Oh!" said Adelaide, hastily, "please do not put us into the same category, Hester and I are well content with the old story. We are daughters of men and women, created in the good old style; reigning over the brutes by special privilege, and claiming no sort of kindred with them whatever."
"And Mr. Spence, Hester—"
"Mr. Spence, father, must seek a mate among his kindred, I am of another order of beings."
"Is that your final answer?"
"It is."
"You will revoke it, Hester; I will tell him to come and plead for himself."