Maximina argued that Juana and a cook would be sufficient. Miguel wanted another girl to do the sewing and laundry work. It was for this reason that he explained to his wife the extent of their resources.
"I have four thousand duros[10] income, but I want to let my sister and mamma have a thousand, so that they may live decently; ... with three thousand duros a year we can get along first-rate."
"Oh! indeed we can.... Why don't you let your mamma and sister have half? Just think; they are used to luxury, and I am not.... I can get along with any kind of clothes."
"It is because I do not wish you to get along with any kind of clothes, but I want you to dress suitably."
"If you only knew how much it would please me to have you give half to your sister."
"It is impossible.... We must remember the possibility of children."
"Still, you would have a good deal left."
"You don't realize how much it costs to live in Madrid, dear."
After a moment of reflection he added:—
"On the whole, we won't do either; we will split the difference. I will allow them thirty thousand reales, and we will content ourselves with fifty thousand. What I am afraid of is, that I shall get a rascally brother-in-law who will run through the property."