to keep up appearances, perhaps, by now and then giving an entertainment you can ill afford; but I can never be made to think it a good thing to run bills for personal dainties you are unable to pay for. I would rather live on a crust; and, indeed, comparatively speaking, we girls have done so ever since I can remember in our own house."
"True, Helen, but still if, in her mistaken wish to secure our happiness, mamma does foolish things for our advancement, surely we ought to be grateful. I greatly fear she entertained the marquess for my sake, and I desire to thank her for it, though I had rather die than profit by the match she seeks to procure me. No power on earth shall make me marry him, but I would not grieve or offend her by marrying Arthur, even if I could do it; and, alas! I have little chance of seeing him for years to come."
"If my mother thought you were resolute, and that she never could bring the plan to bear, she would be very glad to give you to him she calls the 'sailor fellow,' who is unquestionably a very good connexion for unportioned girls like us, but she reckons on your facile temper and acute feelings, Georgiana; you know you are of a yielding disposition."
"I was, you mean; now I have become the possessor of a heart like Arthur's, I feel as strong as a lion, as firm as a rock."
"And as white as the counterpane," said Helen, shaking her head.
