‘Papa, he is my lover,’ said Marie.

‘Pooh!’

’It is not pooh.  He is.  I will never have any other.  I hate Lord Nidderdale; and as for that dreadful old man, I could not bear to look at him.  Sir Felix is as good a gentleman as he is.  If you loved me, papa, you would not want to make me unhappy all my life.’

Her father walked up to her rapidly with his hand raised, and she clung only the closer to her lover’s arm.  At this moment Sir Felix did not know what he might best do, but he thoroughly wished himself out in the square.  ‘Jade,’ said Melmotte, ‘get to your room.’

‘Of course I will go to bed, if you tell me, papa.&rsquo...