You know I never meant to do anything else. Did you think I
was like Miss Trinder, bent upon marrying town and country houses,
stables and diamonds?'
'I did not think you were a fool,' cried Lady Kirkbank, almost beside
herself with vexation, for it had been borne in upon her, as the
Methodists sometimes say, that if Mr. Smithson should prosper in his
wooing it would be better for her, Lady Kirkbank, who would have a claim
upon his kindness ever after. 'What can be your motive in refusing one
of the very best matches of the season--or of ever so many seasons? You
think, perhaps, you will marry a duke, if you wait long enough for his
Grace to appear: but the number of marrying dukes is rather small, Lady
Lesbia, and I don't think any of those would care to marry Lord
Maulevrier's granddaughter.'
Lesbia started to her feet, pale as ashes.
'Why do you fling my grandfather's name in my face--and with that
diabolical sneer?' she exclaimed. 'When I have asked you about him you
have always evaded my questions. Why should a man of the highest rank
shrink from marrying Lord Maulevrier's granddaughter? My grandfather
was a distinguished man--Governor of Madras.
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