Thomas Hardy

A Group of Noble Dames Thomas Hardy

Book Excerpt: ...her in all their painfulness, one sentence in masculine tones, those of her father, being repeated many times.'I tell 'ee there shall be no such betrothal! I tell 'ee there sha'n't! A child like her!'She knew the subject of dispute to be herself. A cool feminine voice, her mother's, replied: 'Have done with you, and be wise. He is willing to wait a good five or six years before the marriage takes place, and there's not a man in the county to compare with him.''It shall not be! He is over thirty. It is wickedness.''He is just thirty, and the best and finest man alive--a perfect match for her.''He is poor!''But his father and elder brothers are made much of at Court--none so constantly at the palace as they; and with her fortune, who knows? He may be able to get a barony.''I believe you are in love with en yourself!''How can you insult me so, Thomas! And is it not monstrous for you to talk of my wickedness when you have a like scheme in you...