"Almost exactly;—so much so that I do not doubt he will go on with it when he knows everything. He had heard about my uncle's property, and complimented me by saying that I am a,—gentleman."
"He does not deserve to have a daughter," said Sir Thomas.
"I don't know about that. According to his lights, he means to do the best he can for her. And, indeed, I think myself that he might do worse. She will probably become Mrs. Newton of Newton Priory if she marries me; and the investment of Neefit's twenty thousand pounds won't be so bad."
"Nothing on earth can make her a lady."
"I'm not so sure of that," said Ralph. "Nothing on earth can make her mother a lady; but of Polly I should have hopes. You, however, are against it?"
"Certainly."
"Then what ought I to do?" Sir Thomas rubbed the calf of his leg and was silent. "The only advice you have given me hitherto was to cut my throat," said Ralph.
"No, I didn't. I don't know what you're to do. You've ruined yourself;—that's all."
"But there is a way out of the ruin. In all emergencies there is a better and a worse course. What, now, is the better course?"
"You don't know how to earn a shilling," said Sir Thomas.