40/46 They gave you a brain inferior to that of few men. You will never meet a woman of higher birth.' 'That's a friendly sophism. I can't thank you for it, because it has a bitter side.' But the compliment had excited Peak, and after a moment's delay he exclaimed: 'I have no other ambition in life--no other! Think the confession as ridiculous as you like; my one supreme desire is to marry a perfectly refined woman. Put it in the correct terms: I am a plebeian, and I aim at marrying a lady.' The last words were flung out defiantly. He quivered as he spoke, and his face flushed. |