"I can't do that," she said.
Mrs.Lessing was impatient again.

"Do you mean, Hilda, that if he persists in this--this madness, if he gives up the Church, for example, you will not break off the engagement?
Mind you, that is the point.

Every young man must have a bit of a fling, possibly even clergymen, I suppose, and they get over it.

A sensible girl knows that.

But if he ruins his prospects--surely, Hilda, you are not going to be a fool ?" The word had been spoken again.