prejudices as precious bulwarks.' Mr Wharton as he said this was
walking about the room with his hands in his trouser pockets. 'I
have always been for absolute toleration in matters of religion,
--have always advocated the admission of Roman Catholics and Jews
into Parliament, and even to the Bench. In ordinary life I never
question a man's religion. It is nothing to do with me whether
he believes in Mahomet, or has no belief at all. But when a man
comes to ask for my daughter--'

'I have always belonged to the Church of England,' said Ferdinand
Lopez.

'Lopez is at any rate a bad name to go to a Protestant church
with, and I don't want my daughter to bear it if I am very frank
with you, as in such a matter men ought to understand each other.
Personally I have liked you well enough, and have been glad to
see you at my house. Everett and you have seemed to be friends,
and I have had no objection to make. But marrying into a family
is a very serious thing indeed.'

'No man feels that more strongly than I do, Mr Wharton.'

'There had better be an end of it.'

'Even though I should be happy enough to obtain her favour?'

'I can't think that she cares about you. I don't think it for a
moment. You say that you haven't spoken to her, and I am sure
she's not a girl to throw herself at a man's head. I don't
approve it, and it had better fall to the ground. It must fall