"That being apparently impossible, what else does my dutiful son demand
of his mother?"
"That she should leave me unmolested in my choice of a wife. It does not
seem to me an unreasonable demand!"
"Nor does it seem to me an unreasonable reply, that any mother would
object to her son's marrying a girl whose father she could throw into a
felon's-prison with a word!"
"That the girl does not happen to be the daughter of the gentleman you
mean, signifies nothing: I am very willing she should pass for such. But
take care. He is ready to meet whatever you have to say. He is not gone
for his own sake, but to be out of the way of our happiness--to prevent
you from blasting us with a public scandal. If you proceed in your
purpose, we shall marry at once, and make your scheme futile."
"How are you to live, pray?"
"Madam, that is my business," answered John.
"Are you aware of the penalty on your marrying without my consent?"
pursued his mother.
"I am not. I do not believe there is any such penalty."
"You dare me?"
"I do."
"Marry, then, and take the consequences."
"If there were any, you would not thus warn me of them."
"John Day, you are no gentleman!"
"I shall not ask your definition of a gentleman, madam."
"Your father was a clown!"
"If my father were present, he would show himself a gentleman by making
you no answer.
Pages:
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187