"And have I accepted you once?"

"Hear me to the end, Alice. I know that you have never explicitly
accepted me; but it has always been understood that my needy
circumstances were the only obstacle to our happiness. We--don't
interrupt me, Alice; you little know what's coming. That obstacle no
longer exists. I have been made second master at Sunbury College,
with three hundred and fifty pounds a year, a house, coals, and gas.
In the course of time I shall undoubtedly succeed to the head
mastership--a splendid position, worth eight hundred pounds a year.
You are now free from the troubles that have pressed so hard upon
you since your father's death; and you can quit at
once--now--instantly, your dependent position here."

"Thank you: I am very comfortable here. I am staying on a visit with
Miss Carew."

Silence ensued; and he sat down slowly. Then she added, "I am
exceedingly glad that you have got something good at last. It must
be a great relief to your poor mother."

"I fancied, Alice--though it may have been only fancy--I fancied
that YOUR mother was colder than usual in her manner this morning. I
hope that the luxuries of this palatial mansion are powerless to
corrupt your heart. I cannot lead you to a castle and place crowds
of liveried servants at your beck and call; but I can make you
mistress of an honorable English home, independent of the bounty of
strangers. You can never be more than a lady, Alice."

"It is very good of you to lecture me, I am sure."