"You are stronger, not to lean on somebody else's strength. You are more independent, not to lean at all. You are honester, not to gain anything under false pretences. And you are better to be yourself, Will Landholm, than the husband of any heiress the sun shines upon, at such terms."
"What terms?"
"False pretences."
"What false pretences?"
"Asking the hand, when you only want the key that is in it. Professing to give yourself, when in truth your purpose is to give nothing that is not bought and paid for."
Rufus looked very grave and somewhat disturbed.
"That's a very hard characterizing of the matter, Governor," said he. "I don't think I deserve it."
"I hope you don't," said his brother.
Rufus began again to measure the little apartment with his long steps.
"But this kind of thing is done every day, Winthrop."