Sit down now, and listen to me for a moment.

If you had a child, a penniless girl like Clara, would you be glad to see her married to such a one as you are yourself ?" "In what way do you mean?
Speak out, Lady Desmond." "No; I will not speak out, for I would not hurt you.

I myself am too fond of you--as an old friend, to wish to do so.

That you may marry and live happily, live near us here, so that we may know you, I most heartily desire.

But you cannot marry that child." "And why not, if she loves me ?" "Nay, not even if she did.