r; she is without the ordinary
education of a gentlewoman; she has seen nothing of the world in which
you move. Your parents have not the right to allow a son so young
as yourself to throw himself out of his proper sphere by a rash and
imprudent alliance. And, never would I consent, never would Walter
Melville consent, to her entering into any family reluctant to receive
her. There,--that is enough. Dismiss the notion so lightly entertained.
And farewell."

"Madam," answered Kenelm very earnestly, "believe me, that had I not
entertained the hope approaching to conviction that the reasons you urge
against my presumption will not have the weight with my parents which
you ascribe to them, I should not have spoken to you thus frankly. Young
though I be, still I might fairly claim the right to choose for myself
in marriage. But I gave to my father a very binding promise that I would
not formally propose to any one till I had acquainted him with my desire
to do so, and obtained his approval of my choice; and he is the last man
in the world who would withhold that approval where my heart is set on
it as it is now. I want no fortune with a wife, and should I ever care
to advance my position in the world, no connection would help me like
the approving smile of the woman I love. There is but one qualification
which my parents would deem they had the right to exact from my
choice of one who is to bear our name. I mean that she should have the
appearance, the manners, the principles, and--my mother at least might
add--the birth of a gentlewoman. Well, as to appearance and manners, I
have seen much of fine society from my boyhood, and found no one among
the highest born who can excel the exquisite refinement of every look,
and the inborn delicacy of every thought, in her of whom, if mine, I
shall be as proud as I shall be fond. As to defects in the frippery
and tinsel of a boarding-school education, they are very soon remedied.
Remains only the last consideration,--birth. Mrs. Braefield informs me
that you have assured her that, though circumstances into which as yet
I have no right to inquire, have made her the ward of a man of humble
origin, Miss Mordaunt is of gentle birth. Do you deny that?"

"No," said Mrs. Cameron, hesitating, but with a flash of pride in her
eyes as she went on. "No. I cannot deny that my niece is descended from
those who, in point of birth, were not unequal to your own ancestors.
But what of that?" she adde