"It would rather have depended on how he felt about me," he said.
"Should you about Dick Mansergh?"
"I think I should. Yes, I think I should. I like him. He's straight. And he's companionable too. Besides, he'd be giving her all she ought to have. That would count for a good deal."
"In what way, Dad?"
"Well, you see, you're responsible for bringing up your daughters in a certain way. You take a pride in what they become. You don't want it all thrown away on somebody who isn't up to their level."
She laughed. "It all sounds very mercenary," she said.
"I don't think it is. A woman's position is her husband's; until she's married it's her father's. You don't want your daughters lessened. It isn't a question of money. It's like to like. Look at that chap your Aunt Prudence married."
"He had lots of money."
"It's all he did have. A silly fellow! Nobody thinks anything of him beside her. She has to carry him on her back wherever she goes."
"Poor Aunt Prudence! It's rather pathetic the way she wants people to like him."