Morton. And as Mr. Twentyman is a
friend of ours--"
"You were angry with me."
"I don't say that. But as you were too grand for our friend of
course you were too grand for us."
"That is a very unkind way of putting it. I don't think I am grand.
A man may wish to have a little conversation with a very old friend
without being interrupted, and yet not be grand. I dare say Mr.
Twentyman is just as good as I am."
"You don't think that, Mr. Morton"
"I believe him to be a great deal better, for he earns his bread,
and takes care of his mother, and as far as I know does his duty
thoroughly."
"I know the difference, Mr. Morton, and of course I know how you
feel it. I don't suppose that Mr. Twentyman is a fit companion for
any of the Mortons, but for all that he may be a fit companion for
me,--and my sisters." Surely she must have said this with the
express object of declaring to him that in spite of the advantages
of her education she chose to put herself in the ranks of the
Twentymans, Runcimans and such like. He had come there ardently
wishing that she might be allowed to go to his aunt, and resolved
that he would take her himself if it were possible. But now he
almost thought that she had better not go. If she had made her
election, she must be allowed to abide by it. If she meant to marry
Mr.
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