There was no alternative now but to put her first obstacle in the way of the marriage, on her own sole responsibility.
"I don't doubt that you have spoken sincerely," she said; "but you have failed to do justice to my son's good sense; and you are--naturally enough, in your position--incapable of estimating his devoted attachment to Carmina." Having planted that sting, she paused to observe the effect.

Not the slightest visible result rewarded her.

She went on.
"Almost the last words he said to me expressed his confidence--his affectionate confidence--in my niece.

The bare idea of his being jealous of anybody, and especially of such a person as Mr.Le Frank, is simply ridiculous.

I am astonished that you don't see it in that light." "I should see it in that light as plainly as you do," Miss Minerva quietly replied, "if Mr.Ovid was at home." "What difference does that make ?" "Excuse me--it makes a great difference, as I think.