"They are not intended to convey any such meaning. Why should they?"
"Because if they do not mean that, your plan is utterly wild and extravagant. And if they do—"
"What then?"
"Then it would be far more wild and extravagant. And deplorable."
"See there the inconsistency of you good people!" said Mr. Dillwyn, still speaking lightly. "A little while ago you were urging me to make myself useful. I propose a way, in which I want your co-operation, calculated to be highly beneficial in a variety of ways,—and I hit upon hindrances directly."
"Philip, it isn't that. I cannot bear to think of your marrying a woman unworthy of you."
"I still less!" he assured her, with mock gravity.
"And that is what you are thinking of. A woman without education, without breeding, without knowledge of the world, without anything, that could make her a fit companion for you. Philip, give this up!"
"Not my plan," said he cheerfully. "The rest is all in your imagination. What you have to do, if you will grant my prayer, is to make this little country girl the exact opposite of all that. You will do it, won't you?"
"Where will you be?"