‘How can I say, mamma?’

’I should have thought you would have been anxious about your brother.  I feel sure he did,—­and that she accepted him.’

‘If so I hope he will be good to her.  I hope he loves her.’

’Why shouldn’t he love her as well as any one else?  A girl need not be odious because she has money.  There is nothing disagreeable about her.’

’No,—­nothing disagreeable.  I do not know that she is especially attractive.’

’Who is?  I don’t see anybody specially attractive.  It seems to me you are quite indifferent about Felix.’

‘Do not say that, mamma.’

’Yes you are.  You don’t understand all that he might be...