If we should lapse, if we should become shabby and behind the fashion or live in that way, people would wonder and believe it was because we could not afford to do otherwise." "Well, s'pose they did, you'd know better yourselves.

Can't you be independent ?" "No.

Not unless you are very, very rich; then it might be considered an eccentricity.

Independence is a costly luxury, and few can afford it." "But suppose you can't afford the other thing ?" "Then we must pretend we can.

Oh, you _don't_ understand! So _much_ depends upon a proper appearance.