t way. It does
indeed. When one has been going on for a dozen years trying to do
something,--and I have never had any secrets from you,--then that you
should turn round upon me and talk about love! Mamma, if you would
help me I think I could still manage with Mr Brehgert.' Lady Pomona
shuddered. 'You have not got to marry him.'

'It is too horrid.'

'Who would have to put up with it? Not you, or papa, or Dolly. I
should have a house of my own at least, and I should know what I had
to expect for the rest of my life. If I stay here I shall go mad or
die.'

'It is impossible.'

'If you will stand to me, mamma, I am sure it may be done. I would
write to him, and say that you would see him.'

'Georgiana, I will never see him.'

'Why not?'

'He is a Jew!'

'What abominable prejudice,--what wicked prejudice! As if you didn't
know that all that is changed now! What possible difference can it
make about a man's religion? Of course I know that he is vulgar, and
old, and has a lot of children. But if I can put up with that, I don't
think that you and papa have a right to interfere. As to his religion
it cannot signify.'

'Georgiana, you make me very unhappy. I am wretched to see you so
discontented. If I could do anything for you, I would. But I will not
meddle about Mr Brehgert. I shouldn't dare to do so. I don't think you
know how angry your papa can be.'

'I'm not going to let papa be a bugbear to frighten me. What can he
do? I don't suppose he'll beat me. And I'd rather he would than shut
me up here. As for you, mamma, I don't think you care for me a bit.
Because Sophy is going to be married to that oaf, you are become so
proud of her that you haven't half a thought for anybody else.'

'That's very unjust, Georgiana.'

'I know what's unjust,--and I know who's ill-treated. I tell you
fairly, mamma, that I shall write to Mr Brehgert and tell him that I am
quite ready to marry him. I don't know why he should be afraid of papa.
I don't mean to be afraid of him any more, and you may tell him just
what I say.'

All this made Lady Pomona very miserable. She did not communicate her
daughter's threat to Mr Longestaffe, but she did discuss it with
Sophia. Sophia was of opinion that Georgiana did not mean it, and gave
two or three reasons for thinking so. In the first place had she
intended it she would have written her letter without saying a word
about it to Lady Pomona. And she certainly would not have declared her