‘Why should Mr. Talthimandar be considered so objectionable?’ Isabel directed the question at both of her parents. She was conscious of her aunt Eliza moving to stand behind her, offering the same kind of support — albeit silent — that Mr. Ellerby provided for his wife.
‘Honestly, Isabel!’ said Mrs. Ellerby crossly. ‘A gentleman of no birth, no family, no connections! And though he is very well turned-out I should think it unlikely that he is a man of any property. Indeed, he is not even of your own world, let alone your own society. A fit connection for an Ellerby of Ferndeane! I should say not.’
Mrs. Ellerby spoke brusquely, but Isabel detected a note of fear in her eyes. Mr. Ellerby, a vision of cold disapproval, said nothing, but he, too, betrayed signs of anxiety.
Isabel understood
