"
"Sir Arthur is a horrid bore, mamma--he is intolerable. I cannot see
why you encourage him. I'm sure his estates are heavily mortgaged. I
don't believe he can afford to pay for the kid gloves that he
nourishes on his big brawny hands!"
"Some malicious person has been endeavoring to misrepresent Sir
Arthur. I wish you would not listen to such stuff. I am certain that
he is immensely wealthy, and then think of his family!"
Mrs. Verne did not wish to quarrel with her daughter; yet it seemed
that a quarrel was brewing.
"You think it so important to secure a title for Madge that you
would have her struggle amid shabby genteel surroundings in order to
introduce her as Lady Forrester!"
"Shame, Evelyn! you forget that I am your mother," said Mrs. Verne,
raising her hand with haughty gesture and looking the embodiment of
injured innocence.
"Forgive me, mamma, I did not mean to anger you," said Mrs. Arnold
with an air of deep contrition.
This act was the latter's only safeguard. She knew well the key to
her mother's character, and was determined to take advantage of
every point.
"You know, mamma that we must look to dear papa's interest as well.
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