There could not be a happier or a better marriage for Mary.' 'You must have rather a poor opinion, of your sister's attractions, personal or otherwise, if you consider a penniless young man--of no family--good enough for her.' 'I do not consider my sister a piece of merchandise to be sold to the highest bidder.

Granted that Hammond is poor and a nobody.

He is an honourable man, highly gifted, brave as a lion, and he is my dearest friend.

Can you wonder that I rejoice at my sister's having won him for her adoring lover ?' 'Can he really care for her, after having loved Lesbia ?' 'That was the desire of the eye, this is the love of the heart.

I know that he loves Mary ever so much better than he loved Lesbia.