"Simply lack of fortune, I believe."
"That's a pity."
"Yes, but you see, although Landsberg is of a very old and distinguished family, it has never been a wealthy one; and Sonia's father has told me quite frankly that his means will not permit of his doing more than help at present."
"I can understand that, as he seems to have a great number of people dependent upon his bounty."
"So they will have to wait, I am afraid."
"It's a pity," I said again.
"I think so, but there are so many cases which seem pitiable to me. However, I have a very finite mind, and so perhaps look at them in the wrong way."
"I fancy we are all inclined to limit our vision, and not seek to discover the lessons to be learnt by adversity."
"That is quite true, but I am afraid it is not the philosophy likely to appeal to lovers, and the two we are speaking of are very fond of each other."
"Something might be done in their case, I hope; at least I will see if it is possible."