"Had you been so bold as to make this proposal to Claire's father, he would have called his servants to show you the door.
For the sake of our name I ought to do the same; but I cannot do so.

I am old and desolate; I am poor; my grandchild's prospects disquiet me; that is my excuse.

I cannot, however, consent to speak to Claire of this horrible misalliance.

What I can promise you, and that is too much, is that I will not be against you.

Take your own measures; pay your addresses to Mademoiselle d'Arlange, and try to persuade her.