How is this, madam?
I do not understand it." "I am, indeed, pale, and I feel that I am; for what is there that could drive the hue of modesty from the cheek of a daughter, sooner than the fact of her own father purposing to unite her to a profligate?
You seldom jest, papa; but I hope you do so now." "I am not disposed to make a jest of your happiness, Miss Gourlay." "Nor of my misery, papa.

You surely cannot but know--nay, you cannot but feel--that a marriage between me and Lord Dunroe is impossible.

His profligacy is so gross, that his very name is indelicate in the mouth of a modest woman.

And is this the man to whom you would unite your only child and daughter?
But I trust you still jest, sir.

As a man, and a gentleman, much less as a parent, you would not think seriously of making such a proposal to me ?" "All very fine sentiment--very fine stuff and nonsense, madam; the young man is a little wild--somewhat lavish in expenditure--and for the present not very select in the company he keeps; but he is no fool, as they say, and we all know how marriage reforms a man, and thoroughly sobers him down." "Often at the expense, papa," she replied with tears, "of many a broken heart.