If I am wrong I am sure I apologise." "You are quite wrong, Mr.Bingham; I don't know who put such a notion into your head, but there is no truth in it." "Then allow me to congratulate you on there being no truth in it.

You see that is the beauty of nine affairs matrimonial out of ten--there are two or more sides of them.

If they come off the amiable and disinterested observer can look at the bright side--as in this case, lots of money, romantic castle by the sea, gentleman of unexceptional antecedents, &c., &c, &c.

If, on the other hand, they don't, cause can still be found for thankfulness--lady might do better after all, castle by the sea rather draughty and cold in spring, gentlemen most estimable but perhaps a little dull, and so on, you see." There was a note of mockery about his talk which irritated Beatrice exceedingly.

It was not like Mr.Bingham to speak so.