Do not tell me that a heartless scoundrel is to take my name when I am gone." "I am not a heartless scoundrel," said Fred Neville, jumping up from his seat.
"Then what is it that you mean?
You have thought, have you not, of the duties of the high position to which you are called?
You do not suppose that wealth is to be given to you, and a great name, and all the appanages and power of nobility, in order that you may eat more, and drink more, and lie softer than others.

It is because some think so, and act upon such base thoughts, that the only hereditary peerage left in the world is in danger of encountering the ill will of the people.

Are you willing to be known only as one of those who have disgraced their order ?" "I do not mean to disgrace it." "But you will disgrace it if you marry such a girl as that.

If she were fit to be your wife, would not the family of Lord Kilfenora have known her ?" "I don't think much of their not knowing her, uncle." "Who does know her?
Who can say that she is even what she pretends to be?
Did you not promise me that you would make no such marriage ?" He was not strong to defend his Kate.

Such defence would have been in opposition to his own ideas, in antagonism with the scheme which he had made for himself.