They are quite unsuitable to her age.

There is plenty of time for her to take to vanity." "I really don't understand you, Geoffrey.

Why should not the child be handsomely dressed ?" "Why not! Great heaven, Honoria, do you suppose that I want to see Effie grow up like you, to lead a life of empty pleasure-seeking idleness, and make a god of luxury.

I had rather see her"-- he was going to add, "dead first," but checked himself and said--"have to work for her living.
Dress yourself up as much as you like, but leave the child alone." Lady Honoria was furious, but she was also a little frightened.

She had never heard her husband speak quite like this before, and there was something underneath his words that she did not quite understand.