"I cannot understand the application of such words, mamma."
"No, I daresay 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-humoured 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
