"Yes; it all comes to that. Men say openly that he is an adventurer and a swindler. No one pretends to think that he is a gentleman. There is a consciousness among all who speak of him that he amasses his money not by honest trade, but by unknown tricks,--as does a card sharper. He is one whom we would not admit into our kitchens, much less to our tables, on the score of his own merits. But because he has learned the art of making money, we not only put up with him, but settle upon his carcase as so many birds of prey."
"Do you mean that Felix should not marry the girl, even if they love each other?"

"Yes; it all comes to that. Men say openly that he is an adventurer and a swindler. No one pretends to think that he is a gentleman. His money is amassed not by honest trade, but by unknown tricks. He is one whom we would not admit into our kitchens, much less to our dining-tables, on his own merits. But because he has learned the art of making money, we not only put up with him, but settle upon his carcase like birds of prey."
"Do you mean that Felix should not marry the girl, even if they love each other?"
