" He gave a quick glance at
his niece, and then added, speaking rapidly and addressing the head of
the Dunn family, "I see, ma'am. Yes, yes, I see. Well, you've forgot one
thing, I guess. Caroline's lived in high society, too. And I've been in
it a spell, myself. And Steve's a boy, but he's got a business head. If
there's nothin' in marriage but business, then an engagement is what I
just called it, a business contract, and it can't be broke without the
consent of both sides. You wanted Caroline's money; maybe she wants
yours now. If she does, and there's such a thing as law, why, perhaps
she can get it."
"That's the talk!" cried Stephen exultingly.
"Yup; perhaps she can. She may be a business woman, too, you know. If
money and style and social position's what counts and she wants to force
you to keep your promise, why, I'm her guardian and she can count on me
to back her up. What do you say, Caroline? I'm at your service. I--"
But Caroline interrupted him.
"Stop!" she cried wildly. "Oh, stop! Do you think--do you suppose
I would marry him now? NOW, after I've seen what he is? Oh," with a
shudder of disgust, "when I think what I might have done, I... Thank God
that the money has gone! I'm glad I'm poor! I'm GLAD!"
"Caro, you fool!" shrieked Stephen.
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