I will make my own conditions. Before all else, I am a man. My lordship was thrust upon me. Don’t interrupt, I beg. I know all you would say, but you do not know all I would say — My birth gave it to me certainly, but a cruel and bloody war was the means by which it came to me. Very well. I will take it and the responsibility which it entails; but the cruelty that brought me my title is ended and in no form shall it be continued, social or otherwise. I hold to the rights of my manhood. I will bring to England whom I please as my wife, and my world shall recognize her, and you will receive her because I bring her, and because she will stand head and soul above any one you have here to propose for me. Here we are, mother dear. One kiss? Thank you, thank you. Postpone Laura’s coming out until — I return — which will be — when — you know.”