He was thirty years of age, had long practised self-denial, and would soon get old.

Why should he not enjoy some prosperity before it was too late?
Allott had said enough, but did not know this and had not finished yet.
"There's another matter, Jim," he resumed.

"You can't think about marrying while you stay in the bush." "I don't know that I want to marry.

I couldn't support a wife." "Why not, if you chose a wife with money ?" "Then she'd have to support me.

Besides, I expect it would be hard to find a rich girl willing to marry a poor engineer." Allott made a sign of impatience.