He would then be convinced that hearts cannot be played with; love encouraged be ready to grow, love discouraged be ready to die, at a moment's notice.

Stephen, do you not think that if marriages against a parent's consent are ever justifiable, they are when young people have been favoured up to a point, as we have, and then have had that favour suddenly withdrawn ?' 'Yes.

It is not as if we had from the beginning acted in opposition to your papa's wishes.

Only think, Elfie, how pleasant he was towards me but six hours ago! He liked me, praised me, never objected to my being alone with you.' 'I believe he MUST like you now,' she cried.

'And if he found that you irremediably belonged to me, he would own it and help you.