Cashel Byron's Profession by George Bernard Shaw
page 52 of 324 (16%)
page 52 of 324 (16%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
"I do not wish to contract expensive habits," said Alice, reproachfully. "I shall have to content myself with frugal ones throughout my life." "Not necessarily. Tell me, frankly: how had you proposed to exert yourself? As a teacher, was it not?" Alice flushed, but assented. "You are not at all fitted for it; and you will end by marrying. As a teacher you could not marry well. As an idle lady, with expensive habits, you will marry very well indeed. It is quite an art to know how to be rich--an indispensable art, if you mean to marry a rich man." "I have no intention of marrying," said Alice, loftily. She thought it time to check this cool aristocrat. "If I come at all I shall come without any ulterior object." "That is just what I had hoped. Come without condition, or second thought of any kind." "But--" began Alice, and stopped, bewildered by the pace at which the negotiation was proceeding. She murmured a few words, and waited for Lydia to proceed. But Lydia had said her say, and evidently expected a reply, though she seemed assured of having her own way, whatever Alice's views might be. "I do not quite understand, Miss Carew. What duties?--what would you |
|