’But you will, if you put yourself into the hands of that young man.  He’s as bad as bad can be.  He’s my own cousin, and yet I’m obliged to tell you so.  He has no more idea of marrying you than I have; but were he to marry you, he could not support you.  He is ruined himself, and would ruin any young woman who trusted him.  I’m almost old enough to be your father, and in all my experience I never came across so vile a young man as he is.  He would ruin you and cast you from him without a pang of remorse.  He has no heart in his bosom;—­none.’  Ruby had now given way altogether, and was sobbing with her apron to...