I understood that you disapproved of it--but you
didn't plainly tell me why."
"Can women always give their reason?"
"Yes--when they are women like you."
"Thank you, my dear, for a pretty compliment. I can trust my memory. I
think I hinted at the obvious objections to an engagement. You and
Carmina are cousins; and you belong to different religious communities.
I may add that a man with your brilliant prospects has, in my opinion,
no reason to marry unless his wife is in a position to increase his
influence and celebrity. I had looked forward to seeing my clever son
rise more nearly to a level with persons of rank, who are members of
our family. There is my confession, Ovid. If I did hesitate on the
occasion to which you have referred, I have now, I think, told you
why."
"Am I to understand that you hesitate still?" Ovid asked.
"No." With that brief reply she rose to put away her book.
Ovid followed her to the bookcase. "Has Carmina conquered you?" he
said.
She put her book back in its place. "Carmina has conquered me," she
answered.
"You say it coldly."
"What does that matter, if I say it truly?"
The struggle in him between hope and fear burst its way out. "Oh,
mother, no words can tell you how fond I am of Carmina! For God's sake
take care of her, and be kind to her!"
"For _your_ sake," said Mrs.
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