“‘Why?’
“‘Because he was engaged to her before she got into her late trouble; but as soon as she was put in jail, he told her to her face that he thought she was guilty. She ordered him to leave her presence, and commanded him never to speak to her again. He deserted her, while she was under the cloud, and left her to paddle her own canoe; but as soon as it appeared that she was innocent, what does he do but beg pardon and make matters smooth again.’
“‘I suppose he loves her money better than he does the girl. I always did despise a fortune-hunter.’
“‘Yes, and so does every honest man; but I cannot understand how such a sensible girl could be so ready to give her hand to such a man.’
“‘Pshaw! don’t you know that where a woman once loves a man, she never forsakes him, no matter what he does?’
“‘Well, I suppose there is something in that, but Harry Wallingford is a very brilliant young man, and I used to think he was the very soul of honor; I did not think he would ever justly win the name of fortune-hunter.’
“‘Neither did I, but human nature is very weak, you know, and the prize in this case is a very tempting one, because Miss Bramlett is very beautiful, and possessed of an amiable disposition, as well as a great fortune.’
“‘By Jove, the bait is enough to trap anybody!’
“‘Ah! you are right there; but Lottie Wallingford is the apple of my eye. I had rather have her for my wife than to be king of England.’
“‘Yes, no doubt you would; but there is no likelihood of your ever being king of England or the husband of Lottie Wallingford, either, because she belongs to Ed Demar.’