"I suppose, then, that you claim the right to direct me in my selection of a wife."
Again the merchant drew Henry closer to him. "Not to direct, but to advise," he answered.
"A rich girl, I presume."
"A suitable match at least."
"Suitable to you or to me?"
"To both—to us all. But we'll think about that after a while."
"I have thought about it; the girl is penniless."
"What! I hope you haven't committed yourself." They were farther apart now.
"Not by what I have uttered—and she may care nothing for me—but my actions must have said that I love her."
"What do you mean by 'love her'?" the merchant angrily demanded.