'
'I do not consider my sister a piece of merchandise to be sold to the
highest bidder. Granted that Hammond is poor and a nobody. He is an
honourable man, highly gifted, brave as a lion, and he is my dearest
friend. Can you wonder that I rejoice at my sister's having won him for
her adoring lover?'
'Can he really care for her, after having loved Lesbia?'
'That was the desire of the eye, this is the love of the heart. I know
that he loves Mary ever so much better than he loved Lesbia. I can
assure your ladyship that I am not such a fool as I look. I am very fond
of my sister Mary, and I have not been blind to her interests. I tell
you on my honour that she ought to be very happy as John Hammond's
wife.'
'I am obliged to believe what you say about his character,' said Lady
Maulevrier. 'And I am willing to admit that the husband's character has
a great deal to do with the wife's happiness, from a moral point of
view; but still there are material questions to be considered. Has your
friend any means of supporting a wife?'
'Yes, he has means; quite sufficient means for Mary's views, which are
very simple.
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