In the meanwhile it can be understood that Lady Midlothian's praise would gall her.
"Alice, don't be uncharitable," said Lady Macleod severely. "Whatever may have been Lady Midlothian's misfortunes no one can say they have resulted from her own fault."
"Yes they can, aunt, if she married a man whom she knew to be a scapegrace because he was very rich and an earl."
"She was the daughter of a nobleman herself, and only married in her own degree. But I don't want to discuss that. She meant to be good-natured when she mentioned your marriage, and you should take it as it was meant. After all she was only your mother's second cousin--"
"Dear aunt, I make no claim on her cousinship."

In the meanwhile, Lady Midlothian's praise galled her.
"Alice, don't be uncharitable," said Lady Macleod severely. "No one can say that Lady Midlothian's misfortunes were her own fault."
"Yes, they can, aunt, if she married a man whom she knew to be a rascal, just because he was a rich earl."
"She was the daughter of a nobleman herself, and only married at her own level. But I don't want to discuss that. She meant to be good-natured when she mentioned your marriage. After all she was your mother's second cousin-"
"Dear aunt, I make no claim on her cousinship."
