It became necessary to speak plainly.
"And with what reason, Ralph Colleton, do you suppose that I will sanction an alliance between you and my daughter?
Upon what, I pray you, do you ground your pretensions to the hand of Edith Colleton ?" Such was the haughty interrogation.

Ralph was confounded.
"My pretensions, sir ?--The hand of Edith!--Do I hear you right, uncle?
Do you really mean what you say ?" "My words are as I have said them.

They are sufficiently explicit.

You need not misunderstand them.

What, I ask, are your pretensions to the hand of my daughter, and how is it that you have so far forgotten yourself as thus to abuse my confidence, stealing into the affections of my child ?" "Uncle, I have abused no confidence, and will not submit to any charge that would dishonor me.