“I never disguise my sentiments. Falsehood is abhorrent to me.”
“Rubbish!” said Matthew, curtly. “I'm busy. I can only give you ten minutes. What have you come for?”
“To share your happiness in the engagement of our dear children,—my son, your ward.”
“I am not pleased at all. Even you ought to know that.”
“Not pleased?”
“No. A marriage like that is an impossibility.”
Usher opened his eyes in reproachful astonishment.
“Why?”
“How can I let my ward marry a man like Roderick?”
“My son is a fine fellow,” said Usher.