With peeresses we needn't concern ourselves.' 'You imagine that social precedence makes all that difference in women ?' 'Yes, I do.

The daughter of a county family is a finer being than any girl who can spring from the nomad orders.' 'Even supposing your nomads produce a Rachel or a Charlotte Brontee ?' 'We are not talking of genius,' Peak replied.
'It was irrelevant, I know .-- Well, yes, I _have_ conversed now and then with what you would call well-born women.

They are delightful creatures, some of them, in given circumstances.

But do you think I ever dreamt of taking a wife drenched with social prejudices ?' Peak's face expressed annoyance, and he said nothing.
'A man's wife,' pursued Earwaker, 'may be his superior in whatever you like, _except_ social position.

That is precisely the distinction that no woman can forget or forgive.