Deborah paused a few moments, and then answered thoughtfully:
“I don’t think so. Surely it is better that one-half the world should be good than that none should be. And if a man can’t be good himself, it is at least something that he can admire goodness in his wife and wish for a good influence around his children.”
The earl was much interested.
“There,” said he, with excitement, “is the sensible way of looking at it. What a wife you’d make?”
“Yes,” said Deborah, quietly, “to a good husband.”
“But I understood you to say——”
“That a man should choose a good mother for his children. But I think also that a woman should choose a good father for hers.”
“And you would be very hard to please?”
“Very.”
“But don’t you know that most women prefer a man not too utterly immaculate?” suggested the earl, gently.