'George has his profession, and he has a good name already. He will get on. Meantime, a little plain living will hurt neither of us. Can't you think that we may begin in a humble way and yet get on? Money--money--money. Oh! Must we think of nothing else?' 'What is there to think of but money? Look round you, silly child. What gives me this house--this furniture--everything? Money. What feeds you and clothes you? Money. What gives position, consideration, power, dignity? Money. Rank without money is contemptible. Life without money is miserable, wretched, intolerable. Who would care to live when the smallest luxury--the least comfort--has to be denied for want of money. Even the Art of which you talk so much only becomes respectable when it commands money. You cannot keep off disease without money; you cannot educate your children without money: it will be your worst punishment in the future that your children will sink and become servants. Child!' she cried passionately, 'we must be masters or servants--nay--lords or slaves. You leave the rank of lord and marry the rank of slave. It is money that makes the difference--money--money--money--that you pretend to despise. It is money that has done everything for you. Your grandfather made it--your father made it--I am making it. Go on in your madness and your folly. In the end, when it is too late, you will long for money, pray for money, be ready to do anything for money--for your husband and your children.' 'We shall have, I hope, enough. We shall work for enough--no more.' 'Well, child,' her mother returned quietly, 'I said that I would say nothing. I have been carried away. Let there be no more said. Do as you please. You know my mind--your sister's mind--your cousins'----' 'I do not wish to be guided by my cousins.' 'Very well. You will stay here until your wedding day. When you marry you will leave this house--and me and your sister and all your people. Do not expect any help from me. Do not look forward to any inheritance from me. My money is all my own to deal with as I please. If you wish to be poor you shall be poor. Hilda tells me that you are to see your guardian on Monday. Perhaps he may bring you to your senses. As for me--I shall say no more.' With these final words the lady left the room and went to bed. How many times had she declared that she would say no more?