I was touched by the new light in which I saw him and took his arm in
friendliness as I said, "I judged you wrongfully at Sundridge."

"You were right," he answered impatiently. "You awakened in me not only a
sense of my duty to Frances, but a knowledge of my obligation to myself."

"But are you so sure of my cousin, even barring other men?" I asked,
hoping to sow the seeds of doubt.

"Yes," he answered, with emphasis. "As sure as a man may be in such a
case."

"Well, George," said I, "it warms my heart to say that I hope you will
gain wealth, station, and mode of life worthy of her, and that in the end
you may win her. My candid opinion is, however, that you will have to do
it quickly. She will accept none of these creatures at court, of that you
may be sure, but there are many worthy gentlemen in England who are rich
and of great name, who have business at court and will see her and want
her. There is Dick Talbot, Duke of Tyrconnel. He is a fine fellow,
enormously rich, and--"

"A mere lump of meat," interrupted Hamilton, angrily. "She could not love
him."

"No," I answered. "Nor do I think she will try. But it is better in
the long run that a woman respect a man, not loving him, than to love,
despising him. Respect is likely to last; all sorts of love may die. But
in any case it is Frances's intention to marry a fortune for her father's
sake, even though she has to close her eyes in doing it."