‘Because you know yourself to be guilty. Don’t imagine that we have not heard the scandal that is abroad concerning you. But I little thought you would have the audacity to try and throw the blame upon my poor Maraquita, she who has been like a sister to you.’ ‘I have never denied the benefits which I and my poor father have received from your family, Mrs Courtney, nor been ungrateful for them.’ ‘And what do you call your conduct of this morning, then? You have deceived us all, Lizzie,--Mr Courtney, myself, and your poor father. We thought you a pure and good girl, or you never would have been allowed to associate with my daughter.’ ‘I _am_ pure,’ interposed Lizzie, with the indignant tears standing on her hot cheeks. ‘I have done nothing to make you regret the favours you have shown me.’ ‘Oh, don’t speak to me like that, Lizzie, when you know that you are the mother of a child which you dare not own.’ ‘I am not! I am NOT!’ cried the girl, half choked with her emotion and sense of impotency to resent the charge made against her. ‘And I say you _are_,’ continued Mrs Courtney, ‘and all San Diego says it with me. And, not content with degrading yourself, you would try to degrade _my_ daughter also. Shame upon you! Is this your gratitude? You who, but for our bounty would have been pointed at all your days as the daughter of a felon, who have now lowered yourself beyond the ordinary level of your sex.’ ‘Oh, Mrs Courtney, say what you like to me, but spare the memory of my dead father!’ cried Lizzie, through her sobs. ‘If I have not spared it, you have only yourself, and your own conduct, to blame. I have been very good to you hitherto, Lizzie, but I can be so no longer. You have raised a barrier between us with your own hand. For the sake of his old friendship for your father, Mr Courtney wishes you to remain on the plantation, but you are no fit companion for Maraquita, and from this day you must consider the doors of the White House are closed against you.’ ‘You will not find me attempt to alter your decision, Mrs Courtney. I came up here this morning to ask Maraquita to do me a simple act of justice, but she has refused it, and I can no longer look upon her as my sister and my friend, nor shall I have any wish to seek her society.’ ‘Insolent!’ exclaimed Mrs Courtney. ‘Why, under no circumstances would you be permitted to do so. Maraquita is engaged to be married to the Governor of the island, Sir Russell Johnstone. In a few weeks she will be reigning at Government House, and will receive no lady there who cannot vouch for the possession of an unspotted reputation. So now perhaps you will see the harm you have done yourself by your impudent attempt to forge off your own error upon her.’