I understood that you disapproved of it--but you didn't plainly tell me why." "Can women always give their reason ?" "Yes--when they are women like you." "Thank you, my dear, for a pretty compliment.

I can trust my memory.
I think I hinted at the obvious objections to an engagement.

You and Carmina are cousins; and you belong to different religious communities.
I may add that a man with your brilliant prospects has, in my opinion, no reason to marry unless his wife is in a position to increase his influence and celebrity.

I had looked forward to seeing my clever son rise more nearly to a level with persons of rank, who are members of our family.

There is my confession, Ovid.