"I'm very far from jesting, Miss Catherine," I replied. "You love Mr. Edgar because he is handsome, and young, and cheerful, and rich, and loves you. The last, however, goes for nothing: you would love him without that, probably; and with it you wouldn't, unless he possessed the four former attractions."
"No, to be sure not: I should only pity him-hate him, perhaps, if he were ugly, and a clown."
"But there are several other handsome, rich young men in the world: handsomer, possibly, and richer than he is. What should hinder you from loving them?"
"If there be any, they are out of my way: I've seen none like Edgar."
"You may see some; and he won't always be handsome, and young, and may not always be rich."
"He is now; and I have only to do with the present. I wish you would speak rationally."

'You love Mr. Edgar because he is handsome, and young, and cheerful, and rich, and loves you,' I answered. 'The last, however, goes for nothing: you wouldn't love him unless he possessed the first four attractions.'
'No: I should pity him - hate him, perhaps.'
'But there are other handsome, rich young men in the world.'
'I don't know them. I've seen none like Edgar.'
'You may see some; and he won't always be handsome, and young, and may not always be rich.'
'He is now; and I have only to do with the present.'
