"Young O'Rion is not to be thought of," said Lord Evenwood firmly. "Not
for an instant. Apart from anything else, his politics are all wrong.
Moreover, you are engaged to this Mr. Bleke. It is a sacred responsibility
not lightly to be evaded. You can not pledge your word one day to enter
upon the most solemn contract known to--ah--the civilized world, and break
it the next. It is not fair to the man. It is not fair to me. You know
that all I live for is to see you comfortably settled. If I could myself
do anything for you, the matter would be different. But these abominable
land-taxes and Blowick--especially Blowick--no, no, it's out of the
question. You will be very sorry if you do anything foolish. I can assure
you that Roland Blekes are not to be found--ah--on every bush. Men are
extremely shy of marrying nowadays."
"Especially," said Lady Kimbuck, "into a family like ours. What with
Blowick's scandal, and that shocking business of your grandfather and the
circus-woman, to say nothing of your poor father's trouble in '85----"
"Thank you, Sophia," interrupted Lord Evenwood, hurriedly. "It is
unnecessary to go into all that now.
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