"Methinks I could persuade your father that in ordinary eyes our alliance is not undesirable.

My family have fortune, rank, long descent--all that fathers look for when they bestow a daughter's hand." "All this would avail you nothing," said Alice.

"The spirit of my father is bent upon the things of another world; and if he listened to hear you out, it would be but to tell you that he spurned your offers." "You know not--you know not, Alice," said Julian.

"Fire can soften iron--thy father's heart cannot be so hard, or his prejudices so strong, but I shall find some means to melt him.

Forbid me not--Oh, forbid me not at least the experiment!" "I can but advise," said Alice; "I can forbid you nothing; for, to forbid, implies power to command obedience.