day, though, as usual, my foreknowledge did not save me from a little emotion when the event came to pass.  Besides, to tell you the truth, I dont feel it as a misfortune.  You know what my sister’s profession is.  You told me how you felt when you saw her act.  Now, tell me fairly, and without stopping to think of whether your answer will hurt me, would you consent to know her in private even if you had heard nothing to her disadvantage?  Would you invite her to your house, or go to a party at which all the other women were like her?  Would you introduce young ladies to her, as you would introduce them to Miss McQuinch?  Dont stop to imagine exceptional circumstances which might justify you in doing these things; but tell me yes or no, would you?”

“You see, Mr. Conolly, I should really never have an opportunity of doing them.”

“By your leave, Miss Lind, that means No.  Honestly, then, what has Susanna to lose by disregarding your rules of behavior?  Even if, by marrying, she conciliated the notions of your class, she would only give some man the right to ill-treat her and spend her earnings, without getting anything in return—­and remember there is a special danger of that on the stage, for several reasons.  She would not really conciliate you by marrying, for you wouldnt associate with her a bit the more because of her marriage certificate.  Of course I am putting her self-respect out of the question, that being a matter between herself and her conscience, with which we have no concern.  Believe me, neither actresses nor any other class will trouble themselves about the opinion of a society in which they are allowed to have neither part nor lot.  Perhaps I am wrong to talk about such matters to you; but you are trained to feel all the worst that can be felt for my sister; and I feel bound to let you know that there is something to be said in her defence.  I have no right to blame her, as she has done me no harm.  The only way in which her conduct can influence my prospects will be through her being an undesirable sister-in-law in case I should want to marry.”

“If the person you choose hesitate on that account, you can let her go without regret,” said Marian.  “She will not be worthy of your regard.”

“I am not so sure of that,” said Conolly, laughing.  “You see, Miss Lind, if that invention of mine succeeds, I may become a noted man; and it is fashionable nowadays for society to patronize geniuses who hit on a new illustration of what people call the marvels of science.  I am ambitious.  As a celebrity, I might win the affections of a duchess.  Who knows?”

“I should not advise you to marry a duchess.  I do not know many of them, as I am a comparatively humble person; but I am sure you would not like them.”

“Aye.  And possibly a lady of gentle nurture would not like me.”

“On the contrary, clever people are so rare in society that I think you would have a better chance than most men.”