Poor Mr Grey;--what must he think of it ?" "I can only hope, aunt, that he won't think of it at all for very long." "That's nonsense, my dear, Of course he'll think of it, and of course you'll marry him." "Shall I, aunt ?" "Of course you will.

Why, Alice, hasn't it been all settled among families?
Lady Midlothian knew all the particulars of it just as well as I did.

And is not your word pledged to him?
I really don't understand what you mean.

I don't see how it is possible you should go back.

Gentlemen when they do that kind of thing are put out of society;--but I really think it is worse in a woman." "Then they may if they please put me out of society;--only that I don't know that I'm particularly in it." "And the wickedness of the thing, Alice! I'm obliged to say so." "When you talk to me about society, aunt, and about Lady Midlothian, I give up to you, willingly;--the more willingly, perhaps, because I don't care much for one or the other." Here Lady Macleod tried to say a word; but she failed, and Alice went on, boldly looking up into her aunt's face, which became a shade more bitter than ever.