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"He will be, when hath married Kate."

"Ah, but I plainly understood that he was to be rich first, in his own right. The prophet spoke of two rich and ancient families."

"The Oxenbrigges are not poor."

"They are beggars beside Alard."

"So, here is a chance of their becoming rich."

He lifted his head, and looked at her full with his piercing, Alard eyes. "Why do you plague me? I've told you many times that I will not marry Kate."

The merry, kicking lilt of the lavolta was ended, and the words "marry Kate" hung on the air. The Squire heard them.

"Aye, that's right. Marry Kate. So, you're trying to persuade him to fulfil his fortune."

"He will not be persuaded."

"It is an honour I've declined before."

"'At that you have! No man will marry poor Kate. Mounseer Douce, I have a daughter whom no man will marry, though a hundred bags o' trash go with her. She can't have Conster, for 'tis entailed on heirs male, but none of my money is tied up with the land. She can have it all."

"She will surely marry soon."