"Let us express it rather less egotistically. I should like Erna to find a husband worthy of her."
"A most natural wish too! One which every mother cherishes for a grown-up daughter. And as an old friend of the family I heartily join in the wish, and do not for a moment doubt that we shall readily agree as to what we shall expect her husband to be."
"I am not so sure on that point."
"Let us try anyhow. Firstly, he should be noble!"
"That is not your conviction."
"Then let it be a concession. If people wish to come to an understanding they must be prepared to make concessions."
"This concession I accept gladly. Go on, please."
"He should not be a scholar by profession; but have a good--a man of the world's--education, and a taste for the fine arts. In fact, we want a cavalier, of course, in the best sense of the word."
"Agreed."
"He need not be wealthy. In fact, it would be preferable that he had no fortune, he would in that case be all the more indebted to Erna."