:50:01
My interest in Miss Sloper
began the first time I saw her.
:50:04
Did it not even precede
your first meeting?
:50:08
I certainly had already heard
she was a delightful girl.
:50:11
A delightful girl,
that's what you think her?
:50:15
Otherwise I shouldn't be here.
:50:17
My dear young man,
as Catherine's father,
:50:19
I hope I have a just appreciation
of her many good qualities.
:50:23
But I don't mind telling you I've
never thought of her in that light.
:50:27
I don't know what I might think
of her if I were her father.
:50:30
I speak from my own point of view.
:50:32
You speak very well. Please sit down.
:50:35
Did you really expect that I would
throw my daughter into your arms?
:50:40
No, I had an idea you didn't like me.
:50:43
- What gave you that idea?
- The fact that I'm poor.
:50:46
Well, that has a harsh sound
but it's about the truth.
:50:51
You have no profession, means.
Please sit.
:50:56
No visible resources or prospects.
:50:58
And so you are in a category from
which not to choose a son-in-law.
:51:01
Particularly not for my daughter who
is a weak woman with a large fortune.
:51:05
I don't think she is weak.
:51:07
Even if she were not,
you are still penniless.
:51:09
Yes, that is my weakness
and therefore you mean I'm mercenary.
:51:12
- I don't say that. You say that.
- But that's what you mean.
:51:16
There are many poor men,
Mr Townsend,
:51:18
but they do not proclaim
that they're not thieves,
:51:21
especially when no one
has accused them.
:51:23
I simply said
you are in the wrong category.
:51:26
But your daughter doesn't marry
a category. She marries a man,
:51:30
a man she's good enough
to say she loves.
:51:32
A man who offers nothing in return.
:51:35
Is it possible to offer more than
affection and lifelong devotion?
:51:39
Lifelong devotion
is measured after the fact.
:51:42
It's usual to offer
a few material securities.
:51:45
What are yours? A handsome face
and figure and a good manner.
:51:48
All are excellent as far as they go
but they don't go far enough.
:51:51
- You think I'm an idler?
- It doesn't matter what I think.
:51:54
I just don't think of you
as a son-in-law.
:51:56
- You think I'd squander her money?
- Ah, I plead guilty to that.