She does not know that Miss Nugent is the person to whom I am attached she spoke at random.

And I have heard it first from a stranger--not from my mother.

Why was it kept secret from me?
Now I understand the reason why my mother evidently never wished that I should think of Miss Nugent--why she always spoke so vehemently against the marriages of relations, of cousins.

Why not tell me the truth?
It would have had the strongest effect, had she known my mind.' Lord Colambre had the greatest dread of marrying any woman whose mother had conducted herself ill.

His reason, his prejudices, his pride, his delicacy, and even his limited experience, were all against it.