But perhaps she may have some other attachment ?" "My lord," replied Sir Thomas, rising, "I think I can perceive on which side the disinclination lies.

You have--and pray excuse me for saying so--studiously thrown, during the present conference, every possible obstruction in the way of an arrangement on this subject.

If your lordship is determined that the alliance between our families shall not take place, I pray you to say so.

Upon your own showing my daughter will have little that she ought to regret in escaping Dunroe." "And Dunroe would have much to be thankful to God for in securing your daughter.

But, Sir Thomas Gourlay, I will be candid and open with you.
Pray observe, sir, that, during this whole discussion, conference, or what you will, I did not get out of you a single direct answer, and that upon a subject involving the life-long happiness of your only child.
I tell you, baronet, that your indirectness of purpose, and--you will excuse me, too, for what I am about to say, the importance of the subject justifies me--your evasions have excited my suspicions, and my present impression is, that Miss Gourlay is averse to a matrimonial union with my son; that she has heard reports of his character which have justly alarmed her high-minded sense of delicacy and honor; and that you, her parent, are forcing her into a marriage which she detests.
Look into your own heart, Sir Thomas, and see whether you are not willing to risk her peace of mind for the miserable ambition of seeing her one day a countess.