I
would at first - independently of any dislike that you and I might have to being
related to each other, and independently of the religious differences between us
- and damn it, that's important - I couldn't afford a match of this description.
Ned and I couldn't do it. It's impossible.«
    »Curb your tongue, in God's name, if this conversation is to last,« retorted
Mr. Haredale fiercely. »I have said I love my niece. Do you think that, loving
her, I would have her fling her heart away on any man who had your blood in his
veins?«
    »You see,« said the other, not at all disturbed, »the advantage of being so
frank and open. Just what I was about to add, upon my honour! I am amazingly
attached to Ned - quite doat upon him, indeed - and even if we could afford to
throw ourselves away, that very objection would be quite insuperable. - I wish
you'd take some wine?«
    »Mark me,« said Mr. Haredale, striding to the table, and laying his hand
upon it heavily. »If any man believes - presumes to think - that I, in word or
deed, or in the wildest dream, ever entertained remotely the idea of Emma
Haredale's favouring the suit of any one who was akin to you - in any way - I
care not what - he lies. He lies, and does me grievous wrong, in the mere
thought.«
    »Haredale,« returned the other, rocking himself to and fro as in assent, and
nodding at the fire, »it's extremely manly, and really very generous in you, to
meet me in this unreserved and handsome way. Upon my word, those are exactly my
sentiments, only expressed with much more force and power than I could use - you
know my sluggish nature, and will forgive me, I am sure.«
    »While I would restrain her from all correspondence with your son, and sever
their intercourse here, though it should cause her death,« said Mr. Haredale,
who had been pacing to and fro, »I would do it kindly and tenderly if I can. I
have a trust to discharge, which my nature is not formed to understand, and, for
this reason, the bare fact of there being any love between them comes upon me
to-night, almost for the first time.«
    »I am more delighted than I can possibly tell you,