To be plain, how would you like to have me marry Mary Howard ?" "Not at all--Not at all," was Jenny's quick reply, while her brother said angrily, "And why not?
Are you, too, proud as Lucifer, like the rest of us?
I could tell you something, Miss, that would bring your pride down a peg or two.

But answer me, why are you unwilling for me to marry Mary ?" Jenny's spirit was roused too, and looking her brother fully in his face, she unhesitatingly replied, "You are not worthy of her; neither would she have you." "And this from my own sister ?" said Henry, hardly able to control his wrath.

"Leave the room, instantly,--But stay," he added, "and let me hear the reasons for what you have asserted." "You know as well as I," answered Jenny, "that one as pure and gentle as Mary Howard, should never be associated with you, who would trample upon a woman's better nature and feelings, for the sake of gratifying your own wishes.

Whenever it suits your purpose, you flatter and caress Ella Campbell, to whom your slightest wish is a law, and then when your mood changes, you treat her with neglect; and think you, that knowing all this, Mary Howard would look favorably upon you, even if there were no stronger reason why she should refuse you ?" "If you mean the brandy bottle," said Henry, growing more and more excited, "have I not sworn to quit it, and is it for you to goad me on to madness, until I break that vow ?" "Forgive me if I have been too harsh," said Jenny, taking Henry's hand.

"You are my brother, and Mary my dearest friend, and when I say I would not see her wedded to you, 'tis not because I love you less, but her the more.