said Mrs. Arrowpoint. "Because you
don't wish to marry a nobleman, you are not obliged to marry a
mountebank or a charlatan."

"I cannot understand the application of such words, mamma."

"No, I dare say not," rejoined Mrs. Arrowpoint, with significant scorn.
"You have got to a pitch at which we are not likely to understand each
other."

"It can't be done, Cath," said Mr. Arrowpoint, wishing to substitute a
better-humored reasoning for his wife's impetuosity. "A man like
Klesmer can't marry such a property as yours. It can't be done."

"It certainly will not be done," said Mrs. Arrowpoint, imperiously.
"Where is the man? Let him be fetched."

"I cannot fetch him to be insulted," said Catherine. "Nothing will be
achieved by that."

"I suppose you would wish him to know that in marrying you he will not
marry your fortune," said Mrs. Arrowpoint.

"Certainly; if it were so, I should wish him to know it."

"Then you had better fetch him."

Catherine only went into the music-room and said, "Come." She felt no
need to prepare Klesmer.

"Herr Klesmer," said Mrs. Arrowpoint, with a rather contemptuous
stateliness, "it is unnecessary to repeat what has passed between us
and our daughter. Mr. Arrowpoint will tell you our resolution."

"Your marrying is out of the question," said Mr. Arrowpoint, rather too
heavily weighted with his task, and standing in an embarrassment
unrelieved by a cigar. "It is a wild scheme altogether. A man has been
called out for less."

"You have taken a base advantage of our confidence," burst in Mrs.
Arrowpoint, unable to carry out her purpose and leave the burden of
speech to her husband.

Klesmer made a low bow in silent irony.

"The pretension is ridiculous. You had better give it up and leave the
house at once," continued Mr. Arrowpoint. He wished to do without
mentioning the money.

"I can give up nothing without reference to your daughter's wish," said
Klesmer. "My engagement is to her."

"It is useless to discuss the question," said Mrs. Arrowpoint. "We
shall never consent to the marriage. If Catherine disobeys us we shall
disinherit her. You will not marry her fortune. It is right you should
know that."

"Madam, her fortune has been the only thing I have had to regret about
her. But I must ask her if she will not think the sacrifice greater
than I am worthy of."

"It is no sacrifice to me," said Catherine, "except that I am sorry to
hurt my father and mother. I have alway