“I beg you will allow me to finish, Marian. [He had to think for a moment before he could substantiate this pretence of having something more to say.] I have quite made up my mind, from personal observation of Mr. Conolly, that even an ordinary acquaintance between you is out of the question. I, in short, refuse to allow anything of the kind to proceed; and I must ask you to respect my wishes in the matter. There is another subject which I will take this opportunity of mentioning; but as I have no desire to force your inclinations, I shall not press you for a declaration of your feelings at present. Sholto Douglas——” “I do not want to hear _anything_ about Sholto Douglas,” said Marian, rising. “I expect you, Marian, to listen to what I have to say.” “On that subject I will not listen. I have felt very sore and angry ever since you told me last night to leave the room when Sholto insulted me, as if I were the aggressor.” “Angry! I am sorry to hear you say so to me.” “It is better to say so than to think so. There is no use in going on with this conversation, papa. It will only lead to more bitterness between us; and I had enough of that when I tasted it for the first time last night. We shall never agree about Mr. Conolly. I have promised to marry him; and therefore I am not free to withdraw, even if I wished to.” “A promise made by you without my sanction is not binding. And—listen to me, if you please—I have obtained Mr. Conolly’s express assurance that if you wish to withdraw, he is perfectly willing that you should.” “Of course, he would not marry me if I did not wish it.” “But he is willing that you should withdraw. He leaves you quite free.” “Yes; and, as you told me, he is quite confident that I will keep faith with him; and so I will. I have had a letter from him since you saw him.” “What!” said Mr. Lind, rising also. “Dont let us quarrel, papa,” said Marian, appealingly. “Why may I not marry whom I please?” “Who wants to prevent you, pray? I have most carefully abstained from influencing you with regard to Sholto Douglas. But this is a totally different question. It is my duty to save you from disgracing yourself.” “Where is the disgrace? Mr. Conolly is an eminent man. I am not poor, and can afford to marry anyone I can respect. I can respect him. What objection have you to him? I am sure he is far superior to Sholto.” “Mr. Douglas is a gentleman, Marian: Mr. Conolly is not; and it is out of the question for you to ally yourself with a—a member of the proletariat, however skilful he may be in his handicraft.” “What _is_ a gentleman, papa?” “A gentleman, Marian, is one who is well born and well bred, and who has that peculiar tone and culture which can only be acquired by intercourse with the best society. I think you should know that as well as I. I hope you do not put these questions from a desire to argue with me.” “I only wish to do what is right. Surely there is no harm in arguing when one is not convinced.”