When his name was mentioned in the family conclave, he was always made the subject of some little feminine joke; and Mrs.Woodward, though she always took her uncle's part, did so in a manner that made them feel that he was fair game for their quizzing.
When the proposal was first enunciated to the girls, they one and all, for Katie was one of the council, suggested that it should be declined with many thanks.
'He'll take us all for midshipmen,' said Linda, 'and stop our rations, and mast-head us whenever we displease him.' 'I am sure he is a cross old hunks, though mamma says he's not,' said Katie, with all the impudence of spoilt fourteen.
'He'll interfere with every one of our pursuits,' said Gertrude, more thoughtfully, 'and be sure to quarrel with the young men.' But Mrs.Woodward, though she had consulted her daughters, had arguments of her own in favour of Captain Cuttwater's proposition, which she had not yet made known to them.

Good-humoured and happy as she always was, she had her cares in the world.

Her income was only L400 a year, and that, now that the Income Tax had settled down on it, was barely sufficient for her modest wants.

A moiety of this died with her, and the remainder would be but a poor support for her three daughters, if at the time of her death it should so chance that she should leave them in want of support.
She had always regarded Captain Cuttwater as a probable source of future aid.

He was childless and unmarried, and had not, as far as she was aware, another relative in the world.