"Well," said Henri, "in proposing to do so she mentioned my discreet age, which appeared to her to make the thing all right! If I had declined her invitation, I should have seemed to pose as a compromising person! That is the reason why I accepted."
"You did quite right. What do you really think of her?"
"She is very different from what I had fancied her: I find her frank, intellectual, full of originality. I have only one fault to mention: she is too rich."
"Well, surely, you do not expect her to ruin herself to please you."
"I should think not! Besides, what would be the object?"
"To permit you to fall in love with her."
"Oh, that is what you are thinking of, is it?"
"Certainly, for, if need be, perhaps you would make a sacrifice to your feelings."
"In what way?"
"In the toleration of a few remaining millions which she might retain, so that when you marry her neither of you will be reduced to absolute beggary!"