" This was true, but Frank did not say that it was
true. "Lord Fawn is at any rate respectable. At least I thought he was so
when I accepted his offer."
"He is respectable enough."
"Just that--isn't it?--and nothing more You do not blame me for saying
that I would be his wife? If you do, I will unsay it, let it cost me what
it may. He is treating me so badly that I need not go far for an excuse."
Then she looked into his face with all the eagerness of her gaze, clearly
implying that she expected a serious answer. "Why do you not answer me,
Frank?"
"What am I to say? He is a timid, cautious man. They have frightened him
about this trumpery necklace, and he is behaving badly. But he will make a
good husband. He is not a spendthrift. He has rank. All his people are
respectable. As Lady Fawn any house in England will be open to you. He is
not rich, but together you will be rich."
"What is all that without love?"
"I do not doubt his love. And when you are his own he will love you
dearly."
"Ah, yes; as he would a horse or a picture. Is there anything of the
rapture of love in that? Is that your idea of love? Is it so you love your
Miss Demure?"
"Don't call names, Lizzie.
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