You would not put one that you
love into such a position?'
'As for disgrace,--that is nonsense. I beg your pardon, Mr
Boncassen.'
'Would it be no disgrace that she should be known here, in
England, to be your wife, and that none of those of your rank,--of
what would then be her own rank,--should welcome her into the new
world?'
'That would be out of the question.'
'If your own father refused to welcome her, would not others
follow suit?'
'You don't know my father.'
'You seem to know him well enough to fear that he would object.'
'Yes;--that is true.'
'What more do I want to know?'
'If she were once my wife he would not reject her. Of all human
beings he is in truth the kindest and most affectionate.'
'And therefore you would try him after this fashion? No, my lord,
I cannot see my way through these difficulties. You can say what
you please to him as to your own wishes. But you must not tell him
that you have any sanction from me.'
That evening the story was told to Mrs Boncassen, and the matter
was discussed among the family.
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