What objection have you to him?
I am sure he is far superior to Sholto." "Mr.Douglas is a gentleman, Marian: Mr.Conolly is not; and it is out of the question for you to ally yourself with a--a member of the proletariat, however skilful he may be in his handicraft." "What _is_ a gentleman, papa ?" "A gentleman, Marian, is one who is well born and well bred, and who has that peculiar tone and culture which can only be acquired by intercourse with the best society.

I think you should know that as well as I.I hope you do not put these questions from a desire to argue with me." "I only wish to do what is right.

Surely there is no harm in arguing when one is not convinced." "Humph! Well, I have said all that is necessary.

I am sure that you will not take any step calculated to inflict pain on me--at least an act of selfishness on your part would be a new and shocking experience for me.
"That is a very unfair way of putting it, papa.

You give me no good reason for breaking my word, and making myself unhappy; and yet you accuse me of selfishness in not being ready to do both." "I think I have already given you my assurance, weighted as it is by my age, my experience, my regard for your welfare, and, I hope, my authority as a parent, that both your honor and happiness will be secured by your obeying me, and forfeited by following your own headstrong inclinations." Marian, almost crushed by this, hesitated a moment, twisting her fingers and looking pitiably at him.