"I think there is no doubt that he wants it. Indeed, I believe that he is almost entirely without present means of his own."
"I can hardly think so; but I have no knowledge about it. I can only say that he has not asked me yet, and that I should wish to oblige him whenever he may do so."
"To what extent, Alice?"
"I don't know what I have. I get about four hundred a year, but I do not know what it is worth, or how far it can all be turned into money. I should wish to keep a hundred a year and let him have the rest."
"What; eight thousand pounds!" said the father who in spite of his wish not to oppose her, could not but express his dismay.

I should wish to oblige him whenever he may do so."
"To what extent, Alice?"
"I don't know what I have. I get about four hundred a year, but I do not know what my capital is worth, or how far it can all be turned into money. I should wish to keep a hundred a year and let him have the rest."
"What; eight thousand pounds!" said the father in dismay.
