‘I hope it didn’t hurt you much, Lord Nidderdale.’

’That’s so like a woman; that is.  You know well enough that you and I can’t marry without leave from the governors.’

‘Nor with it,’ said Marie, holding her head.

’I don’t know how that may be.  There was some hitch somewhere,—­I don’t quite know where.’  The hitch had been with himself, as he demanded ready money.  ’But it’s all right now.  The old fellows are agreed.  Can’t we make a match of it, Miss Melmotte?’

‘No, Lord Nidderdale; I don’t think we can.’

‘Do you mean that?’

’I do mean it.  When that was going on before...